"  I 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES, 


BY  JOSEPH  HODSON, 


EAST  LIVERPOOL,  COI.TJMBIAXA.  COUNTY,  OHIO. 


W.  G.  FOSTER,  PEINTER.  WELLSVILI.E.  OHIO. 
1866. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1860, 

by  JOSEPH  HODSON, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United 
States  for  the  Northern  District  of  Ohio. 


VOLUME  I. 


2229445 


PREFACE. 

In  offering  these  productions  to  the  public,  it  will  be 
proper  first  to  say,  (though  unnecessary  in  my  own  vicin- 
ity) they  are  from  the  Shoe  bench.  My  labors  hitherto, 
have  all  been  trodden  underfoot ;  how  these  may  fare — 
time  and  their  merits  will  determine. 

I  cannot  refer  the  reader  to  any  celebrated  College,  or 
Institution,  or  point  to  a  Diploma  as  a  recommendation. 
Unacquainted  with  the  art  of  writing  Poetry  by  rule,  I 
have  written,  or  portrayed  my  feelings  as  reflection  has 
prompted  me — it  is  at  least,  Original.  Should  the  reader 
possess  the  advantage  of  a  classical  education,  I  hope  this 
little  work  will  be  judged  according  to  the  circumstances 
under  which  it  was  produced. 

With  heart-felt  gratitude  to  those  who  have  honored  me 
as  subscribers,  and  the  favorable  opinions  of  my  friends, 
I  offer  it  to  the  public.  It  will  be  found  to  treat  on  such 
subjects  as  would  naturally  present  themselves  to  one  in 
my  humble  capacity  of  life,  and  has  been  composed  as 
leisure  hours  have  presented  an  opportunity. 

Believing  every  one  is  designed  to  excel  in  some  par- 
ticular, it  is  the  duty  of  all  to  make  an  aim,  whether  un- 
der advantageous  circumstances  or  not ;  and,  where  on 
the  face  of  the  earth  shall  a  working  man  attempt  to  dis- 
tinguish Himself — if  not  in  the  land  we  live  in  ? 

I  could  wish  this  little  work  was  more  worthy  of  pre- 
senting to  the  reader.  I  hope  at  least  it  may  induce  oth- 
ers to  endeavor  to  excel.  How  far  I  have  succeeded  in 
my  attempt,  I  leave  to  the  judgment  of  an  enlightened 
public. 


INDEX. 

Page. 

Introductory 9 

E  Pluribus  Unum 10 

Mhul 12 

Lilies  on  the  Patt  Year 13 

Horn  c  Scenes 1  (5 

Farewell  to  Spring 19 

Lines  on  the  late  Dr.  Int.  Morse,  D.  D 20 

The  Grave 21 

Lines  Written  at  Evening , 22 

Lines  on  the  Death  of  an  Infant 23' 

Lines  on  the  Stars 23 

Beauty  in  Nature 25 

On  Choice 26 

Morning 27 

Lines  Written  at  Evening 30 

Night 31 

On  Friendship 35 

Lines  on  the  Birth  of  a  Son 30 

The  Man  of  Integrity 38 

Liberty 39 

Independence 40 

Discretion 43 

Ambition 44 

July  4th f. 45 

Lines  on  Thanksgiving  Day 47 

Peace 5O 

The   Press 51 

A  Contrast 5:'. 

A  Contrast 55 

Stanzas 57 

Lines  on  Potters'  Field 58 


6  INDEX. 

Misery 58 

Fortune 61 

The  Rich  Man 62 

"Render  Unto  Caesar,  the  Things  that  are  CaesarV  "  t'..j 

Happiness 66 

Love 67 

Love 68 

Forget  Mo  Not 98 

Marriage 69 

Woman 69 

The  Parting 70 

On  a  Tear 71 

On  a  Kiss ' 7- 

"If  Gifts  Were  Graces" 73 

To  a  Friend 76 

The  Rose 78 

National  Anthem 79 

Moonlight 70 

Echo si 

On  Childhood M 

Home 83 

The  Infant's  Dream tfi 

On  the  Death  of  an  Infant 85 

A  Leisure  Hour 86 

The  Wounded  Soldier 92 

Epitaph 94 

Lines  on  the  Death  <5f  a  Young  Lady 94 

Memory  of  Washington 95 

William  Penn — Friend  of  Liberty OH 

Lines  on  the  Late  Dr.  Kane 97 

A  Dream 99 

Henry  Clay 101 

An  Allegory 101 

Lines  on  an  Unknown  Statue ...105 


1XDEX.  7 

Lines  Written  after  a  Walk 106 

To  Wisdom 107 

On  a  Book 108 

On  a  Butterfly 109 

On  the  Clouds 110  j 

Love  Not Ill 

On  Life 112 

On  Guilt 114 

Beauty 115 

Mercy 11G 

Dissimulation 117 

Suspense 118 

Address  to  the  Blues 119 

On  a  Newspaper 121 

Progression 122 

Labor 125 

Spring 130 

.May 181  . 

"God  Speed  the  Plough" 132 

On  a  Mirror 133 

October 135 

Lines  on  the  Assassination  of  Abraham  Lincoln 137 

To  Liverpool 138 

To  Steubenvillc 138 

Lines  on  the  Death  of  a  Young  Laciy 140 

Death '." 141 

Lines  Written  after  Looking  at  the  Daguerreotype  of 

a  Departed  Friend 142 

Thoughts  on  a  Grave  without  an  Inscription 143 

Pity 145 

The  Soul 14C 

Speak  Kindly 147 

The  Outcast 148 

•'Let  He  who  is  without  Sin,  cast  the  first  Stone 149 


'Though  thou  exalteth  thyself  as  the  Eagle  and  Imikl- 
est  thy  nest  among  the  Stars,  yet  I  will  letch  theo 
clown,  saith  the  Lord'' 1  ")ii 


MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 


INTRODUCTORY. 

A  son  of  toil  unknown  to  fame, 
Nor  linguist  to  quote  their  lore  : 

His  native  tongue,  an  humble  aim 
With  self  tuition,  all  his  store. 

'Twas  fancy  bade  my  thoughts  to  rise, 
The  charms  of  nature  so  profuse; 

The  beauties  of  the  lofty  skies, 

InspirYl  my  mind  to  seek  the  muse. 

What  rank  or  station  but  may  soar  ? 

Where  meditative  silence  reigns, 
Revealing  wisdom  to  adore ; 

And  bless  the  AUTHOR  all  sustains. 

The  PAST  a  warning  voice  bestows, 
And  speaks  to  every  age  and  tongue ; 

Our  mercies,  wishes,  wants  and  woes, 
Alike  expressive — right  and  wrong. 

Life's  varied  lessons  how  replete, 
Oh !  for  an  eye  to  quick  discern ; 

The  artful  wiles,  the  welcome  greet, 

What  nobler  maxim  ?  "  Live  and  learn." 

Oh  !  could  my  pen  delineate, 

The  safest  path  to  mercy's  shore ; 

To  bid' earth's  pilgrim  smile  at  fate, 
And  urge  the  drooping  heart  lo  ponr. 


10  MISCET.LANEOrS   POEMS. 

Shall  I,  untutored  I,  presume 
To  measure  or  compost-  a  lay  '. 

1  paused!  a  hope  dispelled  the  gloom 
Reflection  prompting  seemed  to  say. 

What's  grammar  but  some  studied  rules  < 
Our  crude  ideas  to  dispense; 

Experience  the  best,  of  schools. 

The  chief  attainment  COMMON  SEXSK. 

What  matter^whom  a  truth  has  told? 

What  occupation  doth  engage  : 
If  quill,  or  steel,  or  burnislrd  gold, 

Convey  the  thought,  adorn  jhe  page. 

The  dazzling  genius  of  the  soul, 
A  life  of  ease  can  ne'er  portray  : 

Who  would  unfold  fair  wisdom's  scroll. 
But  perseverance  points  the  way. 

Each  soul  is  equal,  perfect,  free, 
And  bears  the  stamp  of  ONE  DIVINE. 

Invited  by  the  Deity, 

In  its  alotted  sphere  to  shine. 

With  these  suggestions  let  me  ask, 
And  for  your  kind  indulgence  plead  ! 

Peruse  entire  my  humble  task 

And  judge  the  man  by  what  you  read  > 


E  PLURIBUS  UNU.M. 
Fair  land  of  Columbia,  of  hope  and  of  pleasure, 

May  Heaven  e'er  shield  you  from  tyranny's  sway : 
And  send  you  contentment,  the  choicest  of  treasure. 

Witli  joys  in  each  bosom  that  never  dccav. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMH.  11 


May  health  guard  tin-  shores  and  may  happiness  blending. 

Its  merries  around,  may  each" comfort  increase-; 
Wliile  commerce  and  wealth  to  each  mart  is  extending, 

May  merit  e'er  shine  in  thy  mansions  with  peace. 

May  bigotry  never  take  root  in  thy  stations, 

Disunion's  blemish  ne'er  mar  thy  fair  name  : 
The  hope  of  the  exile,  the  model  of  nations, 

The  home  of  the  stranger,  each  patriot's  aim. 
Thy  vessels  so  gallant  their  banners  displaying, 

Long,  long  may  they  traverse  in  triumph  the  ware  : 
Their  blessing  and  boon,s  to  each  nation  conveying. 

To  add  to  the  stores  of  the  home  of  the  brave. 

Atlantic's  free  waves  bound  our  borders  prolific, 

Awaiting  the  farmer  their  stores  to  unfold  ; 
Our  mountains  are  lav'd  by  the  noble  Pacific, 

The  fam'd  Eldorado  with  treasures  of  gold. 
Possessed  of  each  clime — still  untravered  our  region*, 

Supplied  with  each  boon  'neath  the  olive  ami  vine : 
We  bow  to  no  despot,  his  edicts,  or  legions, 

Our  son*  are  all  freemen.  JEHOVAH  our  shrine ! 

Kind  Heaven  has  dealt  its  propitious  treasure, 

Around  us  its  blessings  profusely  are  strewn  ; 
Our  garners  are  laden,  I  note  it  with  pleasure. 

Our  language  translated  'neath  every  zone. 
The  sun  is  our  limner,  the  lightnings  await  us, 

With  wisdom  and  progress  our  path  to  illume  ; 
A  triumph  no  less  may  in  future  elate  us. 

Artesian  springs  bid  the  desert  to  bloom. 

11 E  Pluribus  Unum,''  unsullied,  unbroken, 

Defend  it  ye  Powers  through  the  annals  of  time  ; 
'Neath  every  zone  may  our  language  be  spoken, 


12  MISCELLANEOUS    POKMs. 

And  freedom  triumphant  preside  In  each  clime. 
Our  soil  still  untrod,  with  the  vine  be  it  shaded, 

The  flowers  brightly  blossom  and  smile  for  the  brave  ; 
Earth  yield  as  its  fruits — be  it  ever  invaded, 

A  home  for  the  worthy — the  villain,  a  grave. 

Thy  flag  when  nnfnrl'd  may  it  beam  in  full  glory, 

Posterity  pride  in  the  laurels  it's  won ; 
Its  history  ever  be  famous  in  story, 

Thy  eagle  e'er  soar  with  an  eye  to  the  sun, 
Thy  people  from  God,  and  from  duty  ne'er  falter, 

United  in  heart  all  as  brothers  agree ; 
As  one  may  they  worship  at  liberty's  altar, 

'Midst  plenty  and  peace  in  the  land  of  the  free. 


MIND. 
Hail !  sacred  guest,  immortal  joy, 

Ennobling  man  with  feelings  warm  : 
Commanding  each  to  gaze  on  high, 

With  hopes  beyond  this  fading  form. 
External  fates  may  crush  our  bliss, 

And  fortune  deal  our  lot  severe  ; 
Drear  disappointment  and  remiss, 

Are  tenants  of  this  fleeting  sphere. 

High  Heavenly 'boon,  unfading  gem. 

E'er  independent,  always  free  ; 
The  brightest,  noblest  diadem, 

Above  each  earthly  rule,  decree. 
The  child  of  circumstance  may  bend, 

Where  miseries  relentless  bind  ; 
Till  mercy  does  the  message  send. 

And  dissolution  free  the  mind. 


MrSCELLANKCl'S    1'oKMS. 


.Mini's  choicest,  richest,  loftiest  hope. 

Immortal  treasure  uuconmvd. 
Inviting  to  a  boundless  scope, 

A  talent  unto  each  consigned. 
A  spark  from  paradise  above. 

An  equal  right  a  gift  sublime  : 
A  ruby  from  the  realms  of  love. 

A  trust  to  all,  alike  divine. 

Beauty  shall  wither  and  decay, 

The  noblest  structures  years  destroy  ; 
Ambition's  visions  pass  away, 

As  streams  that  murmur  gently  by. 
The  stars  shall  lose  their  brilliant  light, 

And  all  to  chaos  be  consigu'd  ; 
Time  in  its  orbit  cease  its  flight, 

Eternal  only  is  the  mind. 

The  mind  of  independent  mould, 

Whose  life,  whose  aims,  lead  virtues  way 
In  Gods  own  image,  free  and  bold, 

Shall  shrink  not  at  the  face  of  clay. 
To  truths  eternal  lofty  throne, 

To  freedoms  shrine,  let  all  repair, 
To  Liberty  and  God  alone  ; 

With  humble  hearts  to  worship  there. 

LINES  ON  THE  PAST  YEAH. 
The  year  with  all  its  train  of  joys, 

And  hopes  and  scenes  is  ever  flown ; 
While  time  still  in  its  orbit  Hies, 

Unheard,  unseen  to  realms  unknown. 
Surpassing  wonder,  thought  sublime, 

Where  is  thy  end,  Oh  fleeting  time ! 


14  MISCELLANEOUS   1'OEMS. 


Anticipations,  doubts,  and  fears, 
Dissolve,  disperse,  and  pass  away ; 

We  leave  the  stage  a  few  brief  years. 
Our  ages  number  ere  decay. 

Invisible,  mysterious  clime. 

Luravell'd  problem,  passing  lime. 

Glad  hearts  the  year  has  lured  along, 
Where  trusting  childhood's  sunny  reign: 

Has  lulled  or  charmed  with  syren  song, 
Nor  tasted  anguish,  grief,  or  pain, 

To  chill  their  glowing  youthful  prime, 
The  golden  era,  spring  of  time. 

It  dealt  the  lover  hours  of  bliss, 

And  sped  with  wings  of  swiftness  on  : 

Dispensing  pleasures  ere  remiss. 

Proclaimed  its  days  were  past  and  gone. 

Love's  liow'ry  paths  found  hymen's  shrine, 
Life's  blooming  summer,  cherish'd  time. 

It  stalwart  manhood  granted  strength, 
Diffusing  vigor,  health  and  joy : 

Its  days  arose;  to  noonday  length. 
As  in  its  course  it  vanish'd  by, 

Unthought,  unheeded,  all  resign, 
And  own  the  silent  hand  of  time. 

It  deck'd  some  brows  with  tresses  gray. 

And  furrows  on  the  vfsage  plae'd: 
To  show  its  regal  stedfast  sway, 

Is  ne'er  evaded  or  em*c\l. 
Myriads  of  souls,  it  did  consign. 

To  worlds  unknown,  relentless  time. 


MISCELLANEOUS    I'OEMf-.  I  •"• 


To  gaze  beyond  the  grave's  dark  brink. 

Philosophy  must  ever  fail: 
Perplex'd,  distracted,  pause  and  think, 

On  future  scenes  but  here  the  veil 
Is  drawn  !  'tis  for  a  wise  design, 

Forbid  to  pierce  the  vista  time. 

It  brought  us  peace  it  yielded  fruit, 
Abundance  earth's  fair  bosom  bore: 

While  wars  and  discord,  sapp'd  its  root, 
In  distant  lauds  and  scar\l  its  store  : 

'Tis  heaven  bestows  such  joys  divine. 
Shall  man  ungrateful  wink  at  time. 

It  spring  array'd  with  tiny  bud:-, 

O'er  earth  a  mantle  green  did  throw; 

While  songsters  carrol'd  through  the  woods. 
It  bade  the  streams  again  to  How. 

Bright  hopes  and  promises  benign. 
It  strew'd  along  the  path  of  time. 

It  summer  dcck'd  with  lavish  hand. 

In  beauty  and  luxuriant  bloom : 
The  hills  seem'd  as  a  fairy  laud. 

The  vales  were  fragrant  with  perfume. 
It  wreaths  of  roses  did  entwine. 

Around  the  sunny  ''stream  of  time." 

It  autumn  loaded  with  supplies, 

Although  its  breath  the  leaves  did  scar  : 

Storms  equinoxal  swept  the  skies. 
.     The  winter's  advent  drawing  near. 

Winds  whistling  through  the  mountain  pine. 
Pronounce,!  the  dirge  of  passing  time. 


16  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


Next  winter's  gloomy  aspect  brought, 

The  year  unto  a  final  close  ; 
The  fleeting  monarch  leaving  sought. 

The  goal  his  predecessors  chose, 
While  elfin  sprites  unseen  did  chime, 

The  final  knell  of  parting  time. 

E'er  trust  the  hand  time's  sceptre  wields, 
That  blest  our  stores  with  fostering  cure 

Long  may  his  tender  mercies  shield, 
Columbia's  shores  from  all  despair, 

And  each  in  rapture  e'er  incline, 

To  praise  the  source  of  truth  and  time. 


HOME  SCENES. 
Here  in  the  cool  and  quiet  shade, 

Within  the  pleasant  rural  glade ; 
T'is  sweet  to  muse  and  roam, 

While  memory  with  remembrance  flies, 
To  dwell  again  with  purest  joys ; 

The  early  scenes  of  home. 

To  think  of  those  we  early  lov'd, 

And  who  through  time  have  constant  prov'd : 
A  parent's  tender  care, 

Who  did  our  helpless  forms  caress, 
And  to  the  bosoni  gently  press ; 

With  fond  emotion  there. 

Of  early  playmates,  simplest  glee. 
Where  all  were  innocent  and  free ; 

From  all  deceit,  or  guile. 

While  truth  around  us  shed  its  rays, 

And  pleasures  met  us  at  each  gaze  ; 
With  blandest,  fairest  smile. 


MISCELLANEOUS    1>OKM>.  17 

I  low  swift  llio  time  it  glided  by, 
The  world  seem'd  all  delight  and  joy ; 

Each  face  was  then  more  fair, 

In  life's  young  advent,  early  morn. 

When  all  .was  bloom  without  a  thorn , 
Or  shadow  of 'despair. 

Years  sincejhave  roll'd,  these  scenes  are  fled, 
And  all  seems  mix'd  woe  with  and  dread ; 

Since  childhood's  days  have  flown. 

Are  seasons  changed  ?  is  God  less  true  ? 

Or  has  each  selfish  aim  and  view, 
Thus'with  our  nature  grown  ? 

The  world's  as  fair,  God  never  fails ! 

His  dews  and  blessings  as  the  gales ; 
Are  free  alike  for  all. 

If  man  with  cruel  subtle  art, 
Has  claim'd  his  weaker  brother's  part ; 

And  us'd  him  as  a  tliral, 

His  pride  shall  oft  his  bosom  sting, 
And  terror  round  his  path  shall  cling ; 

Sad  dreams  shall  haunt  his  rest. 
While  humble  virtue  shall  enjoy, 

True  peace  on  earth  without  alloy  ; 
And  be  forever  blest. 

An  honest  heart  has  riches  more, 

Thau  all  the  miser's  golden  store, 
His  cotters  can  contain. 

The  light  of  knowledge  fair  shall  shine, 
When  all  the  rubies  of  the  mine : 

Shall  prove  a  lasting  bane. 


18  MISCELLANEOUS    1'OK.Ms. 

Through  death's  dark  valley  truth  shall  cheer, 
And  light  our  way  dispersing  tear  : 

While  around  is  gloom. 
The  soul  shall  on  its  pinions  rise. 

And  soar  to  dwellings  in  the  skies  : 
Where  joys  immortal  bloom. 

Oh  !   may  the  Power  who  rules  o'er  all, 
Whose  eye  beholds  the  sparrow  lall ; 

E'er  guide  us  with  his  grace. 

Shed  in  our  hearts  lair  childhood's  tni:  I 

Renew  our  spirits  as  the  just ; 
Its  virtues  to  retrace. 

Then  shall  each  heart  again  adore, 

Those  happy  scenes,  those  days  of  ymr  ; 

Each  orphan  find  a  friend. 
The  aged  shall  again  rejoice, 

While  from  the  widow's  grateful  voice  : 
Thanksgiving  shall  ascend. 

And  all  shall  own  this  world  of  our:-. 

A  land  of  beauty  fruit  and  llow'rs  : 
A  paradise  below . 

When  man  to  man  with  mercy  deal*. 
With  soothing  words  the  fallen  heals  ; 

True  happiness  shall  How. 

Then  shall  the  language  of  the  heart. 

And  from  its  inmost,  dearest  part  : 
Flow  freely  from  the  tongue. 

And  all  who  wear  their  maker's  form. 
Enjoy  a  bosom  pure  and  warm  : 

That  shrinks  at  fraud  or  wroim;. 


MISCKLI.ANKors    I •((>;. MS.  I  U 

As  round  I  ga/c  whore  silence  reigns, 
Aud  view  the  stores  tliat  mercy  deigns  ; 

It  does  such  rapture  call, 
My  noblest  thoughts,  my  heartfelt  praise. 

To  God  who  all  around  me  sways  : 
And  own  him  Lord  of  all. 


FAREWELL  TO  SPRING. 

Hail  Spring!  Gentle  Spring,  grace  and  grandeur  bestow- 
ing, 

Now  gems  of  rare  beauty,  are  strew'd  o'er  the  vale  : 
The  lambs  gaily  tripping  and  rivulets  flowing, 
While  rlagrance  and  vigor  it  Hoals  on  the  gale. 
The  birds  sweetly  singing,  while  echo  is  ringing. 
Whose  cadence  and  melody  sound  in  the  grove  : 
The  dove  gently  cooing,  its  mate  fondly  wooing, 
Each  bosom  responds  with  the  raptures  of  love. 

Hail  Spring  !     Welcome  Spring,  at  whose  glance  disap- 
pearing, 

The  chill  blasts  of  winter,  the  glacier  and  snow  : 
Creation  anew  e'er  thy  mandate  revering. 
Bade  nature  revive  and  each  bosom  to  glow. 
The  earth  its  fair  treasure,  with  promise  and  pleasure, 
Profusely  are  scatter \\  hi  beauty  and  bloom ; 
Whose  emblems  may  cheer  ye,  though  life  it  be  dreary. 
The  Christian  in  semblance,  shall  rise  from  the  tornb. 

Hail  Spring!  Charming  Spring,  though  thy  season  is  lleet- 

ing, 

The  myriad  trophies  that  grace  the  gay  >cene : 
Fair  summer  in  triiftnph  and  ecstacy  greeting. 
Each  bud  shall  expand  and  thy  glories  be  seen. 


20  MISCEI. I,. \NKOTS     I'OKM- 


Each  vernal  crown'd  mountain,  and  crystalline  fountain, 
Shall  shine  forth  in  splendor  while  songsters  they  time  ; 
Rich  chaplets  of  flowers,  inwreath  the  green  bower-. 
And  incense  arise  from  the  altars  of  June. 


LINES  ON  THE  LATE  DR.  INT.  MORSE,  D.  I). 

'Neath  the  oaks  at  Gambier  profoundly  in  slumber, 

A  Christian,  a  hero  in  silence  is  laid  ; 

He  has  pass'd  from  the  world,  he  lias  joined  the  bless'd 

number, 
That  smile  at  death's  portals  and  welcome  its  shade. 

Mild  charity  weeps  for  her  donor  departed, 
While  gratitude  sighs  at  the  loss  of  her  son ; 
The  widow,  the  orphan,  the  weary  worn  hearted, 
Shall  yield  a  bright  wreath  that  his  labors  have  AVOII. 

Full  of  years — full  of  honors  liis  pilgrimage  ended, 
He  sheltered  the  homeless  with  comfort  and  joy  : 
With  duty  and  love  admonition  he  blended. 
And  spoke  as  a  seer  of  the  mansions  on  high. 

The  poor  were  his  jewels,  he  dealt  them  his  treasure. 
The  cause  of  the  humble  he  e'er  did  defend, 
To  dry  the  sad  tear  was  his  solace  and  pleasure, 
Vice  lost  a  firm  foe,  and  pure  virtue  a  friend. 

As  a  watchman  on  Zion,  prophetic  his  vision, 
Pride  writh'd  at  his  glance,  pointing  stealthy  with  scorn, 
His  Saviour's  commands  he  proclaim'd  with  decision, 
His  life  shall  the  page  of  the  future  adorn. 

Inwreath  his  bless'd  tomb  with  the  beauty  of  roses. 
And  spring's  sweetest  blossoms  from  valley  and  glen : 


MlSOELLANKOt'8   1-OKMw.  21 


Scatter  emblems  of  hope,  where  his  ashes  reposes, 
Than  Christ  shalljawake  him  from  slumber  again. 


THE  GRAVE. 

Pleasant  and  sweet  is  the  sleep  of  the  tomb, 
The  rest  of  the  dead  where  our  bodies  consume, 
High  Heaven  has  spard  us  its  era  to  know, 
We  pass  from  our  labors,  from  sorrow  and  woe, 

To  slumber  in  silence  and  peace. 
No  more  disappointment  is  dealt  to  our  share, 
Away  from  all  anguish  and  bitter  despair ; 
Affluence'and  want  meet  a  similar  doom, 
Tis  mercy  the  balance  adjusts  at  the  tomb. 

All  envy  and  bickerings  cease. 

The  willow  so  graceful  its  branches  they  bend, 
The  roses  their  blossoms  and  fragrance  they  blend, 
The  daisies  so  modest  their  beauty  bestow, 
As  mentors  our  fading  and  rising  they  show, 

While  zephyrs  are  fanning  the  plain. 
Each  bud  resurrection,  each  season  makes  known, 
Each  autumn  the  earth  of  its  splendor  is  shorn, 
Forlorn  and  dismantled,  chill  winter  is  king, 
E'rc  welcome  returns  the  glad  presence  of  spring, 

To  point  us  to  promise  again. 

How  welcome  the  grave,  to  the  pilgrim  of  earth, 
The  portals  of  glory — celestial  birth  ; 
Take  courage  my  soul,  be  no  longer  afraid, 
The  Saviour  in  triumph  has  past  through  its  shade, 

Exultingly  soaring  above. 
Again,  when  old  time  it  shall  fade  and  decay, 
The  elements  pass  as  a  vision  away ; 


22  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


The  trumpet  shall  summon  the  just  to  arise, 
To  hail  the  Messiah  descending  the  skies  ! 
And  dwell  in  the  mansions  of  love. 


LINES  WRITTEN  AT  EVENING. 
The  shade  ascends  the  mountain  side. 

Upon  its  height  the  sunset  glows  : 
Still  upward  as  its  shadows  glide, 

All  nature  sinks  to  sweet  repose. 
The  birds  have  ceased  their  parting  lay, 

Hope,  love  and  joy  their  bosoms  fill: 
As  westward  hies  the  orb  of  day, 

And  evening  shades  the  forest  hill. 

Ohio,  by  thy  placid  stream, 

Oft  have  I  gazed  with  fond  delight  : 
Upon  the  moon  with  silver  beam, 

And  stars  that  gem  the  a/Aire  height. 
With  feeble  gleam  they  meel  my  view, 

Enraptur'd  thoughts  my  bosom  thrill  : 
Invisibly  the  silent  dew, 

Descends  upon  the  forest  hill. 

To  meditate  and  muse  alone, 

What  joy  so  pure — what  boon  so  rare  ? 
When  reason  it  assumes  its  throne, 

Away  from  strife — devoid  of  care. 
Tradition  prompts  to  days  of  yore, 

Of  legendary  lore  and  skill ; 
Where  chiefs  beside  Ohio's  shore, 

In  freedom  roam'd  the  forest  hill. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  23 


To  other  scones  their  rare  has  sped, 

Where  brightly  blazVl  the  council  fires ; 
Commerce  her  busy  marts  has  spread. 

And  rais'd  its  lofty  tow'ring  spires. 
Far  from  Ohio's  peerless  stream. 

Though  exiled  far — with  fearless  will 
They  gaze  on  rustic,  native  scenes, 

And  haply  trace  some  forest  hill. 

In  vain  !  In  vain  !  the  works  of  art, 

All  pomp  and  splendor  seems  but  tame  ; 
Romantic  beauties  to  impart, 

And  fill  their  dauntless  hearts  with  fame. 
The  studied  landscape  seems  but  weak, 

In  vain  may  fashion  mould  and  till ; 
Compared  with  cliff  and  mountain  peak, 

That  grace  the  noble  forest  hill. 


LINES  ON  THE  DEATH  OP  AN  INFANT. 

Its  ransom'd  spirit  soar'd  on  high, 
Ere  sin  could  taint,  or  vice  decoy  : 

Its  beauties  to  expand  and  bloom, 
In  spheres  of  love  beyond  the  tomb. 


LINES  ON  THE  STARS. 

Stars  of  heaven,  fond,  adorning, 

God-like  trophies  !  fix'd  on  high  : 
As  the  ether  vault  exploring, 

Scans  the  glad  exulting  eye, 
Wrapt,  entranced,  in  admiration, 

Source  of  genius,  tune  my  lays ''. 
Grant  true  blisses,  aspirations, 

Give  the  meed,  the  gift  to  praise. 


24  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Stars  of  heaven,  with  emotion, 

As  I  view  the  realms  of  space ; 
Fill'd  with  heartfelt,  awe,  devotion, 

Brilliance  welcome,  beams  to  trace. 
Beacons  in  the  map  of  heaven, 

Each  their  lustre,  fond  displays ; 
Where  the  ransom'd  reign  forgiven 

Crown'd  with  triumph,  live  to  praise. 

Stars  of  heaven,  emblematic, 

Fraught  with  promise,  glory,  hope ; 
Cheering,  teaching,  most  emphatic. 

Delineating  past  all  scope. 
Mirror'd  in  the  ocean's  surging, 

Rock'd  within  its  swelling  sprays  ; 
Now  embrac'd,  again  emerging. 

Join  in  universal  praise. 

Stars  of  heaven,  graceful  shining, 

Sentient  voices,  ever  call ; 
High  omnipotence  divining, 

Ample  glories  sent  for  all. 
Brilliant,  unbedimin'd,  unweary, 

Greet  the  vision  with  their  rays  ; 
Sable  night  illuming  cheery, 

Hymn  the  great  Creator's  praise. 

Stars  of  heaven,  gems  of  beauty, 

Living  mentors,  high  above  ; 
Each  perform  a  silent  duty, 

Each  display  affection,  love. 
Fair  and  perfect,  each  revealing, 

Reveries  to  prompt  the  gaze  ; 
Elevate  the  purest  feeling, 

Charm  with  wonder,  joy  and  praise. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  25 

Stars  of  heaven,  countless  numbers, 

Sentries  of  the  azure  heights  ; 
Ceaseless  vigils  o'er  our  slumbers, 

Watches  of  the  shades  of  night. 
Empires,  language,  victors  perish, 

Equipage  and  pomp  decays  ; 
Works  of  God  all  ages  cherish, 

Meteors,  planets,  gleam  to  praise. 

Stars  of  heaven,  if  forsaken, 

By  the  smiles  of  all  below ; 
Glad  I  know,  with  faith  unshaken, 

Merc.y,  wisdom,  bids  you  glow. 
Fain  would  1 !    as  in  your  courses, 

Each  proclaim  Jehovah  sways ; 
Bring  a  tribute  in  his  sources, 

Grandeur,  Glory,  bids  me  praise. 


BEAUTY  IN  NATURE. 

There's  genius  in  the  forest  shade, 
There's  comfort  in  the  breeze  ; 

There's  charm  within  the  pleasant  glade, 
There's  beauty  in  the  trees. 

There's  pleasure  where  the  shadows  glide, 
There's  brilliance  in  the  bow'r  ; 

There's  verdure  on  the  mountain  side. 
There's  splendor  in  the  flow'r. 

There's  fragrance  in  each  valley  dwells. 

There's  grace  upon  the  plain  ; 
There's  perfume  in  the  fairy  dells, 

There's  mercy  flStlic  rain. 

I 


26  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

There's  tieetness  where  the  waters  flow. 

There's  music  in  the  rill : 
There's  science  in  each  flake  of  snow. 

There's  wisdom  on  each  hill. 

There's  silence  in  the  solemn  night, 
There's  brightness  in  the  day, 

There's  radiance  in  the  moons-  pah:  lu:.ht. 
There's  glory  hi  each  ray. 

There's  each  tint  in  the  rainbows  hue, 
There's  symmetry  and  form, 

There's  life  within  the  morning  dew, 
There's  grandeur  in  the  storm. 

There's  wonder  in  the  thunder  crash, 

Fair  gems  bedeck  the  lea ; 
There's  swiftness  in  the  lightnings  flash, 

There's  freedom  on  the  SLU. 

There's  majesty  adorns  the  sun, 

Each  planet  star  and  sjd  : 
And  all  we  ever  look  upon, 

Proclaims  a  living  God. 


ON  CHOICE. 
Give  me  the  heart  whose  hopes  alone, 

Are  cent'red  in  the  purest  aim ; 
Who  at  misfortune  is  not  flown. 

The  same  in  sorrow,  weal,  or  fame. 

Give  me  the  mind  where  reason  sways, 
Where  independence  holds  its  seat ; 

Whose  dealings  bear  the' light  of  day o. 
Who  shrinks  in  silence  at  deceit. 

4 


MIS.  Kl.l  ANKurs    POKVS.  27 


Give  me  the  eye  where  pity  glows, 

Wilh  lot-lings  of  celestial  fire; 
Whose  lender  glance  disperses  woes, 

Whose  looks  invite,  whose  beams  inspire. 

(!ive  me  the  hand  where  merey  guides, 
Where  virtue  prompts  with  holy  /.est ; 

Whoso  actions  prove  o'er  all  besides, 
True  friendship  without  interest. 

Give  me  a  cot  where  love  prevail.-. 
Where  gentle  manners  banish  pride  ; 

Where  true  content  lias  t'nrl'd  its  sail ... 
Where  all  in  Providence  confide. 

Give  me  a  little  prattling  voice, 
To  cheer  away  the  weary  hours; 

To  make  the  dreary  soul  rejoice, 
At  infant  beauty's  budding  tlow'is. 

Give  me  a  partner  as  my  o\vn. 

Who  Is  attractable  and  kind; 
Who'd  share  my  cot  before-  a  throne, 

And  in  my  heart  a  refuge  lind. 

Give  me  for  wealth,  enough,  no  more, 
I  ask  not  riches,  truth's  the  pri/.e ; 

And  wisdom's  treasures  as  my  store. 
To  bid  each  drooping  thought  ari:.c. 


MORNING. 

Tis  sweetest  to  rise  with  the  wings  of  the  morning. 
When  all  things  around  us  is  spangled  with  deW: 
To  view  I  he  bright  sun  in  the  easl  that's  adorning. 


28 


Each  hill  and  each  valley  with  richness  anew. 
The  flowers  shine  as  gems,  in  such  radiance  they  glisten, 
The  birds  rise  with  joy,  singing  carols  of  praise  ; 
Who !  who !  could  be  mute  for  to  loiter  and  listen  ? 
Each  heart  must  be  moved  to  adore  as  we  gaze. 

There  fancy  can  rise  to  the  clouds  on  its  pinions, 

Whose  hues  paint  the  morn  in  the  rarest  of  dyes : 

Away  from  these  earthly  terrestial  dominions, 

To  dwell  on  a  theme  the  most  brilliant,  the  skies. 

The  morn  fresh  with  balm  and  with  fragrance  perfuming, 

The  spirit  inhales  as  the  roses  the  dew  ; 

There  health  paints  the  cheek  while  all  nature  is  blooming, 

To  bid  you  arise  and  its  pleasures  to  view. 

Such  splendor  below  'tis  the  gift  of  high  heaven. 
Its  mercies  revive  and  its  graces  restore  ; 
Its  fruits  and  its  blessings  to  man  they  were  given, 
To  have  and  enjoy  with  a  promise  of  more. 
Arise  with  the  morn  adoration  expressing, 
Exultingly  triumph  with  thoughts  on  above ; 
While  God  in  his  goodness  the  humblest  caressing. 
Supplies  the  whole  source  from  the  fountains  of  love. 

There  science  it  lingers  its  wonders  disclosing. 

And  wisdom  is  there  in  the  noblest  array ; 

Each  bud  seems  to  ope  from  the  sweetest,  reposing. 

To  welcome  Aurora  and  herald  the  day. 

Give  misers  their  gold,  give  ambition  its  stations, 

Give  each  their  ideal  whatever  it  be ; 

Give  me  but  a  spark  from  the  source  of  creation. 

To  toll  of  the  beauties  and  glories  I  see. 

The  stars  disappear  'neath  the  rays  of  its  splendor, 
In  heaven's  high  arch  of  etheral  blue ; 
To  seek  other  spheres  adoration  to  render. 


MISCEM.AXEOfS    1'OKMS.  29 


And  show  the  Creator,  onebtLDgiog  and  true. 
i  Each  season  that  rolls  over  brings  a  rehearsal, 
i  Of  mercies  unbounded  of  promise  and  joy: 

Of  boons  and  of  blessings,  alike  universal. 

And  free  as  the  breeze  that  is  murmuring  by. 

It  dawns  on  the  humble  as  on  the  aspirant, 
It  falls  upon  childhood  the  same  as  the  brave ; 
The  rays  that  behold  the  oppressor  and  tyrant, 
They  beam  on  the  cottage  and  smile  for  the  slave. 
Their  blessings  are  equal  to  all  of  the  nations, 
And  amply  in  season  true  pleasure  do  bring; 
They  shine  for  each  sect — alike  to  all  stations, 
And  sent  to  the  captive,  as  free  as  the  king. 

These  springs  shine  as  pearls,  as  they  gush  from  their 

fountains, 

The  streams  seem  as  gems  while  they  ripple  away ; 
The  shepherd  now  hies  to  his  Hock  on  the  mountains, 
The  milk-maid  is  singing  to  hail  the  new  day. 
Each  echo  repeats  o'er  each  hill  and  each  valley. 
The  colt  he  arises  and  shaking  his  marie ; 
With  rest  animated  his  spirits  they  rally, 
While  lambs  gaily  tripping  rejoice  on  the  plain. 

How  charming  it  falls  on  the  face  of  the  ocean, 
Where  vessels  triumphant  in  majesty  glide ; 
Each  seaman  beholds  with  the  fondest  emotion, 
That  beacon  of  brilliance  the  mariner's  guide. 
Such  tints  gild  the  horizon  with  a  reflection, 
No  language  can  paint  nor  no  limner  portray ; 
Deriving  each  shade  from  the  hand  of  perfection, 
Whose  mandates  the  storms  and  the  waters  obey. 

The  night  is  a  type  of  the  end  of  all  mortals. 


30  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

When  darkness  embraces  all  living  in  sleep  : 
Humanity  slumbers  entranced  in  its  portals, 
While  stars  gently  twinkle  their  vigils  10  keep. 
Soon  morning  appears  with  the  brightest  refulgence 
Its  rays  fall  on  earth  from  the  mansion's  above  ; 
Proclaiming  long  suffering,  mercy,  indulgence. 
Resurrection  and  light  from  the  centre  of  love. 

It  breaks  on  the  world  with  the  truest  precision. 
Its  shade  on  the  dial  reminds  us  of  lime; 
Revolving  along  with  the  surest  decision, 
Surpassing  our  thoughts  with  a  wisdom  divine. 
Whose  word  makes  the  seasons  to  roll  in  their  courses;. 
Whose  blessings  his  creatures  with  plenty  supplies  : 
Whose  truth  is  eternal,  unbounded  his  sources, 
Whose  mercy  and  pleasure,  bid  morning  arise. 


LINES  WRITTEN  AT  EVENING. 
Shades  of  evening  arc  appearing. 

Birds  they  chant  a  parting  lay ; 
W'hile  the  Sun's  reflection  chcerin; •-. 

Best  describes  the  close  of  day. 

Now  the  western  hills  are  showing. 

Tints  no  limner  can  portray  : 
Grace  and  glory  both  arc  glowing. 

Beauty  paints  1he  close  of  day. 

Now  'tis  sweet  to  muse  and  wander. 

Where  each  sunny  parting  ray  ; 
Smiles  with  splendor,  seeming  fonder. 

As  it  crowns  the  close  of  day. 

Flow'rs  with  petal  leaves  are  closing. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  31 

All  their  tints  ami  colors  gay; 

Bath'd  in  dew  and  sweet  reposing. 

Cease  to  bloom  at  close  of  day. 

In  the  a/ure  vault  above  us, 

Spangled  skies  in  rich  array  ; 
Heavenly  mercies,  cheer  us,  love  us, 

Grandeur,  gems,  the  close  of  day. 

Lovely  stars,  with  brilliance  gleaming. 
Twinkle  bright  and  shadows  play  ; 

While  the  gentle  moon  is  beaming. 
Lending  charms  to  close  the  day. 

Mortals  wrapt  in  silent  slumber. 

Soon  shall  on  their  couches  lay ; 
Sweet  enjoyments  without  number. 

Love  and  wisdom  close  the  day. 

Balmy  sleep  so  fresh  restoring, 

Cast  o'er  all  thy  gentle  sway; 
Bring  us  dreams  with  joy  adoring. 

All  the  charms  that  close  the  day. 


NIGHT. 

'Tis  night,  remorse  (tho'  drap'd  with  gold 
Around  the  couch)  the  heart  is  cold. 

The  conscience  dark  within. 
Tho'  rob'd  in  riches  all  is  vain. 

Vice  yields  in  solitude  to  pain  ; 
The  curse,  the  sling  of  sin. 

While  memory  starts  aghast  with  fear. 
Sad  visions  hover,  all  is  drear  ; 


32  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 


As  hidden  secrets  rise. 

The  veil  of  night  though  sable  grown, 
Shields  not  the  silent  inward  moan  ; 

In  darkness  and  disguise. 

Tfce  future  seems  a  fearful  void, 
The  past  reflections  joys  deride, 

The  present  inward  woe. 

Ambition  mocks  and  guile  deceives. 

Whoe'er  its  gilded  bait  receives, 
'Tis  as  the  meteors  glow. 

;Ti«  night,  the  shades  of  darkness  fall. 

And  spread  o'er  earth  a  sable  pall ; 
Inviting  each  to  rest. 

The  weary  from  their  labors  cease, 
Reclining  on  their  couch  in  peace  ; 

With  slumber  are  refresh'd. 

The  thoughts  may  now  with  rapture  rise, 
Sojourning  'midst  the  purest  joys  ; 

In  scenes  elysian  stray. 

While  reason  charm'd  as  with  a  spell, 

Emotion  makes  the  bosom  swell ; 
Beneath  its  magic  sway. 

Misfortune  may  forget  its  woe, 
And  pleasure  bid  the  bosom  glow ; 

Till  fearless  chanticleer, 

Shall  summon  each  and  all  to  rise. 

'Ere  fair  Aurora  gilds  the  skies  : 
To  gaze  on  glories  UK-IT. 

'Tis  night,  the  captive  in  his  cell. 
Sweet  visions  whisper,  all  is  well  : 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  33 


Again  the  mind  is  tree. 

It  soars  beyond  the  dungeon's  doom. 
Where  all  is  pleasure  hope  and  bloom ; 

He  stands  elate  with  glee. 

As  throbs  convulse  his  breast,  he  sleeps, 

Alternate  he  rejoices,  weeps ; 
Bright  scenes  dispel  his  care. 

He  meets  a  gentle  wife's  embrace, 
While  trusting  childhood's  artless  grace  ; 

With  welcomes  greet  him  there. 

The  cherish'd  kiss,  the  sacred  tear, 
Known,  welcome  voices  meet  his  ear  ; 

While  mercy  hover's  nigh. 

The  broken  spirit  soon  'tis  heal'd, 

The  fleeting  vision  has  revealed ; 
A  taste  of  purest  joy. 

The  body  is  a  prison  cell, 

Wherein  a  spark  of  light  may  dwell ; 
Within  its  walls  of  clay. 

While  stars  their  ceaseless  vigils  keep, 
The  spirit  soars  the  upper  deep  ; 

To  world's  of  bliss  away. 

To  meet  the  friends  of  other  days, 
To  glance  at  ever  beaming  rays  ; 

On  sacred  hopes  above. 

The  mind,  it  seeks  its  native  shore. 

With  countless  legions  to  adore  ; 
The  source,  the  fount  of  love. 

'Tis  night,  tho  lovers  trusting  heart, 

Its  hopes,  its  vn\vs.  s\vci-l  dreams  impart 


34  MISCELLANEOUS    POEM-. 

In  reveries  of  joy. 

Transported  to  the  spheres  of  love. 
On  wings  of  fancy  soar  above ; 

And  leave  the  earth's  alloy. 

Elated  with  bright  thoughts  of  bliss. 

Life's  sunny  scenes  dispel,  remiss ; 
As  beauty  tints  the  morn. 

Or  some  fair  bud  to  yet,  expand. 
And  blossom  in  a  fair)'  land  ; 

Beneath  affection's  dawn. 

The  Sun,  the  heavenly  orb  above, 
Adorns  the  skies  with  light  and  love ; 

While  sacred  holy  ties, 

Attract  the  compass  to  the  pole, 

Make  stars  to  shine,  the  seasons  roll : 
And  incense  to  arise. 

Vines  amorous  to  the  branches  cling, 
The  lambs  to  gambol,  birds  1o  sing ; 

The  world  revolving  move. 

It  chains  the  ocean  to  the  shore. 

And  bids  each  drooping  heart  adore  ; 
The  source,  the  fount  of  love. 

'Tis  night,  fair  childhood  sweetly  sleeps. 
Bright  angel  forms  their  vigils  keep ; 

Where  innocents  repose. 

May  Heaven  keep  their  spirits  pun?. 

No  fear,  no  vice,  no  wile  to  lure  : 
Till  life's  career  shall  close. 

Tis  night,  aloue  unvarnish'd  truth, 
Can  make  the  bosom  pure  as  youth : 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  35 

Reposing  frco  from  dread. 

Faith  in  omnipotence  to  save: 
Mi-holds  our  earthly  goal  the  grave: 

A  peaceful,  silent  bed. 

lie  who  from  nought  created  all, 
The  moulding  dust  again  shall  call ; 

From  chaos  unto  light ; 
As  morning's  bright  refulgent  ray. 

Dispels  the  dreary  ebon  sway  : 
Of  darkness  and  of  night. 

"The  wreck  of  matter,  crush  of  spheres," 

Kxcite  no  terrors,  doubts,  or  fears: 
In  glory  from  tlu-  lomb. 

The  faded  form  again  shall  rise, 
And  join  the  ransom Yl  in  the  skies; 

Where  joys  unfading  bloom. 


ON  FRIENDSHIP. 

Go  seek  not  its  dwelling  where  fortune  it  flatters, 
It  never  with  folly  is  known  to  reside  : 
It,  shuns  not  the  ship  though  the  sails  arc  in  tatters. 
When  storms  cross  its  course,  or  the  tempests  preside. 

As  clouds  o'er  the  sky  when  misfortune  it  hovers, 
Unlir'd  and  unceasing,  it  ever  is  true; 
Its  conquests  elate  not,  it  only  discovers, 
Its  virtues  and  beauty  with  lustre  anew. 

Oh  !  what  shall  compare  with  the  friend  that  is  loyal '. 
In  heart  and  in  truth  through  adversity's  storm. 
Whose  hand  il  was  open  who  knew  no  denial : 


36  MlsCELLANEorS    1'OEMS. 

Whose  voice  it  was  ready  to  solace  and  warm. 

More  sweet  is  its  balm  than  Arabia's  spices, 
More  fair  than  all  jewels  and  riches  corubin'd ; 
i  It  sinks  in  the  soul  and  the  fallen  rejoices, 
'Tis  Heaven  below  unto  mortals  consign 'd. 

E'er  may  its  fair  bloom  in  our  pathway  be  planted, 
To  guide  us  through  life  and  our  talents  improve  ; 
'Twould  cheer  us  along  with  its  mercy  enchanted, 
The  key  to  each  heart  and  the  portals  of  love. 


LINES  ON  THE  BIRTH  OF  A  SON. 
Welcome  little  helpless  creature. 
Glad  I  view  thy  tiny  stature  ; 
Miniature  of  form  and  feature. 

The  hand  of  time, 

Moulds  the  noblest  works  of  nature, 
In  manhood's  prime. 

Little  feet  to  prank  and  caper, 
Mind  unwritten,  spotless,  paper ; 
Life  a  fickle  fleeting  vapor, 

A  passing  ray, 
Gleams  a  while  then  as  a  taper, 

It  wanes  away. 

Humble  though  thy  rank  and  station, 
Still  an  heir  to  all  creation  ; 
Sojourner  of  a  short  probation, 

At  most  a  span, 
Strange  thy  birth  and  destination. 

The  lot  of  man. 

A  truce  to  such  philosophizing, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  37 

Away  with  doubting  and  surmising: 
Sure  a  path  is  not  surprising, 

Where  millions  trod. 
Thy  natal  hour  as  all  devising 

Belongs  to  God  ! 

Should  thy  stay  be  brief  and  aimless, 
Though  thou  pass  unknown  and  nameless  ; 
They  whose  days  are  few  and  fameless 

This  truth  I  cito. 
God  will  shield  them  pure  and  blameless, 

In  Jove  and  light. 

Should'st  thou  taste  life's  joy  and  sorrow. 
Act  to-day,  trust  not  to-morrow  ; 
Who  shall  from  the  future  borrow, 

Is  most  unwise. 
Doom'd  to  disappointment  thorough, 

Shall  never  rise. 

Good  and  evil,  stand  before  thee, 
By  the  Sire  that  would  implore  thae  ; 
By  the  gentle  form  that  bore  thee, 

Know  one  on  high  ! 
In  majesty  is  gazing  o'er  thee, 

With  watchful  eye. 

Know  evil  fills  the  mind  with  raneor, 
Deception  every  hope  shall  eanker  ; 
Whoever  for  its  shrine  may  hanker. 

His  peace  destroys, 
While  terrors  of  another  "Banquo," 

Shall  curse  his  joys. 

Know  truth  shall  ever  shine  resplendent, 


38  MlSCELI.ANEOf 


With  every  bliss  its  train  attendant  : 
(Stand  thou  fair  virtue's  firm  del'emlani. 

Shun  vice  insipid, 
The  upright  mind's,  a  star  ascendant. 

Be  firm  INTREPID. 


T1IE  MAN  OF  INTEGRITY. 
An  honest  man  whoe'er  can  estimate, 

The  choicest  rubies  fall  below  the  rate  ; 
A  .stay  in  sorrow  and  in  woe  a  friend, 

Explicit  dealings  ever  to  the  end. 
Tho'  fortune  slights  him  he  may  smile  with  cheer. 

His  mind  is  easy  and  his  conscience  clear 
While  consolation  springing  in  his  breasi. 

Yields  true  contentment  in  each  thought  c\pi' 

His  vision  brightens  as  to  future  days, 

While  hope  around  him  sheds  its  brilliant  rays  : 
His  vows  unbroken  yield  him  purest  joy. 

His  acts  of  friendship  time  cannot  destroy. 
The  fallen  seek  him  as  a  real  friend, 

True  honor  ever  does  his  word  commend  ; 
Absent  companions  love  to  sound  his  fame, 

While  sordid  envy  blushes  at  his  name. 

Free  from  contention,  habits,  simple,  plain, 

Virtue  untaruish'd  does  his  worth  retain  : 
Easy  to  govern,  mercy  points  his  path, 

He  pities  failings  and  is  slow  to  wrath. 
Nor  unrelenting,  here  his  honor  lies ! 

His  noble  feelings,  little  ways  despise, 
He  seeks  true  merit,  sterling  joys  to  lind ; 

And  with  its  beauties  does  enrich  iiis  mind. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  39 


Bright  as  a  pillar  that  is  sculptor'd  rare. 

Shines  in  the  temple  as  surpassing  lair ; 
His  actions  place  him  thus  exalted  high, 

His  manly  bosom  smiles  at  destiny  ! 
An  equal  balance,  independent,  free, 

llis  name,  his  traits,  adorn  humanity ; 
At  wisdom's  shrine  his  soul  delights  to  nod, 

His  path  is  duty,  and  his  hope  iu  God. 


LIBERTY. 

Behold  the  siui  that  paints  the  skies. 
High  o'er  the  mountain  summits  rise  ; 

Its  blessings  unto  all  does  share, 
With  mercies  smiling  everywhere'. 

One  universal  grand  decree. 
Proclaiming  love  and  liberty  ! 

List,  to  the  bird  whose  tiny  throat, 
Its  cadence  on  the  breezes  lloat ; 

Whose  instinct  prompts  its  cheerful  voice. 
In  rapture,  to  adore,  rejoice, 

Expressing  joy,  exulting  free, 
It  chants  the  song  of  liberty. 

The  gallant  ship  that  with  the  gale, 
Majestic  spreads  its  swelling  sail; 

In  triumph  ploughs  the  briny  sphere, 
While  all  the  finny  species  there. 

Roaming  at  will  throughout  the  sea, 
They  revel  forth  'midst  liberty. 

Gaze  on  the  glittering  rippling  rill, 

Whose  merry  path  it  winds  the  hill  , 
Its  music  through  the  valleys  sound. 


40  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

And  breaks  the  silence  all  around, 
As  in  its  course  it  bounds  away  ; 
Rejoicing,  whispers,  liberty. 

The  stars  that  gem  the  vault  above, 
And  trees  that  blossom  in  the  grove : 

The  eagles  eyrie  built  on  high, 
Each  pinion  soaring  for  the  sky, 

With  clouds  that  o'er  the  welkin  flee, 
Alike  resemble  liberty. 

Each  flow'r  that  blooms  so  gaily  dress'd, 
And  all  the  tints  that  gild  the  west ; 

While  the  bright  orb  of  light  retires. 
This  motto  stands  in  glowing  fires. 

Behold,  the  elements  are  free  ! 
Our  God  is  love  and  liberty. 

Shine  on  bright  orb  with  light  divine, 
Dispense  thy  joys  to  every  clime  ; 

Thy  Heavenly  light,  refulgent  ray, 
In  smiling  accents  seems  to  say, 

Let  man  to  man,  a  brother  be  ; 
The  laws  of  God  are  liberty  ! 


INDEPENDENCE. 
The  Goddess  of  liberty  seated  on  high, 

This  mandate  was  sent  from  the  throne  ; 
A  spark  in  each  bosom  diffused  from  the  sky, 

And  this  did  her  heralds  make  known. 
Erecting  an  altar  all  hearts  to  invite, 

All  nation's,  all  spirits  to  join ; 
Inscrib'd  Independence  in  letters  of  light, 

IMMORTAL,  INHERENT,  DIVINE. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  41 

A  loose  flowing  mantle  her  form  did  enshroud, 

'Twas  dy'd  with  the  tints  of  the  morn; 
The  trumpet  of  freedom,  so  shrilly  and  loud, 

Was  sounded  her  councils  to  warn. 
While  truth  as  a  beacon  illumined  the  scene, 

Triumphant  :twas  echoed  around  ; 
Let  nature  be  deck'd  in  the  colors  of  green, 

And  thus  its  first  epoch  was  crown'd. 

While  springs  they  are  vernal  and  verdure  is  seen, 

I !  s  wreath  as  a  trophy  to  wear ; 
Shall  stand  as  a  witness  these  banners  of  green. 

Its  temple  as  free  as  the  air. 
Innate  and  eternal,  each  bosom  to  hail, 

Accountable  but  to  its  sire ; 
Shall  dwell  in  the  breast  of  mortality  frail, 

This  gem  of  ethers  1  fire. 

As  smiling  the  Goddess  'midst  grandeur  and  awe, 

This  fiat  pronouncing  to  all ; 
The  prince  and  the  peasant,  equality's  law, 

Again  i  o  her  councils  should  call. 
Independence,  inscrutable  gift  from  on  high, 

No  terrors  no  mortals  may  scan  ; 
Its  empire  each  bosom,  no  rule  can  destroy, 

The  light  and  the  glory  of  man. 

Who'd  crush  Independence  must  aim  for  the  sky, 

Where  God  and  eternity  sway  ; 
Pluck  down  the  bright  sun,  bind  the  gales  as  they  fly, 

And  time's  fleeting  cycles,  delay  ! 
Who  rules  the  old  ocean,-gives  bounds  to  the  tide, 

Alone  can  this  talent  control, 
Let  each  stand  erect  in  his  manhood  and  pride ; 

No  despot  can  fetter  the  soul. 


42  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

PARODY  ON  EDUCATION. 
There  is  a  gem  nought  can  destroy, 

It  is  a  grace  and  ever  nigh ; 
No  clime  can  e'er  this  quest  estrange, 

When  once  possess'd,  'twill  never  range. 
Nor  despotism  can't  enslave, 

'Tis  ever  competent  and  brave  : 
'Twill  introduce  you  when  afar, 

It  shines  like  virtue  or  a  star. 

It  charms  with  wonder  all  around, 

It  claims  respect  the  most  profound  : 
It  has  bound  thousands  with  its  spell, 

Its  pow'r  and  force  no  tongue  can  tell. 
It  scans  the  heavens,  the  earth  and  sun, 

It  names  the  planets  as  the}-  run  : 
It  after  death  will  live  and  shine, 

Its  truth  and  essence  is  divine. 

It  genius  ever  gives  a  grace, 

It  is  the  honor  of  our  race ; 
It  points  the  way  to  constant  bliss, 

It  fills  the  mind  with  happiness. 
It  all  most  cheerfully  invites, 

It  leads  to  hope  and  human  rights  : 
And  all  who  have  the  inclination, 

It  gives  advice  and  information. 

What  gives  to  man  the  full  control  ? 

O'er  all  creation,  What  ?  a  Soul ! 
Man  in  the  image  of.  his  God  ! 

Without  a  soul,  is  as  the  sod. 
Then- how  important  'tis  to  learn, 

And  ne'er  this  heavenly  boon  to  spurn ; 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  43 

It  is  the  duty  of  a  nation. 
To  ever  cherish  Education. 


DISCRETION. 

Discretion  points  us  whcrejno  dangers  wait, 

To  choose  the  wisest  smoothest  path  to  fate ; 
To  where  distinction  and  promotion  dwell, 

And  crown'd  with  triumph,  'midst  its  joys  excel. 
Ambition  maddens !  death  its  votaries  dare. 

Destruction  waits  them  in  its  gilded  lair  ; 
Wlr'le  true  contentment  seeks  the  lowly  vale, 

Discretion  guides  us  to  its  quiet  pale. 

Discretion  cheers  us  with  an  inward  joy, 

Its  precepts  charm  us,  brilliant  hope  is  nigh  ; 
Where  science  lingers  and  where  laurels  bloom, 

It  gently  leads  us  from  the  path  of  gloom. 
Not  as  ambition's  dazzling  meteor  glare, 

Illumines  brightly  ere  to  dark  despair  ; 
Its  vision  passes,  leaves  no  cheering  ray, 

Adds  doom  to  terror,  as  it  fires  decay. 

Discretion,  surest,  noblest,  best  of  themes, 

E'er  guide  our  failings  to  avoid  extremes ; 
"\Va1ch  o'er  each  thought  and  lend  a  prudent  bar, 

Check  rising  passions,  ere  our  peace  they  mar. 
Steer  thou  our  course  through  life's  fast  flowing  tide. 

To  shape  our  actions  and  with  thec  decide; 
Bu  thou  our  motto,  monitor,  and  friend, 

And  in  our  fail:ngs  e'er  thy  virtues  blend. 


44  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

AMBITION. 

Ambition  points  where  laurels  bloom, 
Prompts  us  on  all  terrors  daring ; 

Fires  the  heart,  diperses  gloom, 
Keeps  aspirants  from  despairim:. 

Ambition  fills  the  soldier's  breast, 
War's  alarms,  e'er  find  him  ready ; 

He  seeks  its  plume  to  grace  his  crcsl . 
At  danger's  post  advancing  steady. 

Ambition  is  a  brilliant  cheat, 
Vain  and  fragile  in  position ; 

When  once  possess'd  its  joys  they  lied. 
And  oft  a  step  toward  perdition. 

Ambition  goads  beyond  all  hope, 
Rays  that  dazzle  while  pursuing ; 

It  leads  us  on  with  death  to  cope, 
Crowns  its  guests  with  fame  or  ruin. 

Ambition  may  !  Decision  must, 

Triumph  over  opposition ; 
While  fiery  nv'nds  may  miss  their  thrusl. 

And  failing  find  their  bane  ambition. 

Ambition,  could  thy  vict'ms  speak, 
Wrcck'cl  by  thy  alluring  stories  ; 

Just  as  the  moth  the  taper  seeks. 
Sears  its  wings,  and  mars  its  glories. 

Ambition  glares !  let  reason  rule, 
Virtue's  laws  avoid  preteution  ; 

While  wisdom  keeps  the  passion's  cool,  • 
Claims  the  palm  and  saves  contention. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  45 

FEBRUARY  22ND. 
All  Hail !  to  the  chieftain  immortal  in  glory, 

Posterity  praises  in  rapturous  glee ; 
His  deeds  long  shall  shine  in  his  country's  story, 

His  name  long  shall  live  in  the  minds  of  the  free. 

Whilst  cannon's  loud  echo's  triumphant  are  pealing. 
May  freemen's  glad  voices  e'er  usher  the  morn ; 

And  victory's  sun  all  its  glories  revealing, 

Smile  bright  on  the  land  where  onr  hero  was  born. 

His  honor  ascends  to  the  zenith  of  splendor, 
-    While  wreaths  of  green  laurels  encircle  his  fame ; 
His  memory  is  cherish'd  as  freedom's  defender, 
Each  patriot  cheers  at  the  sound  of  his  name. 

Whose  hosts  through  the  vista  of  woe  and  subjection, 
His  virtues  and  valor  they  pointed  the  way ; 

Who  bow'd  unto  none  but  the  God  of  perfection, 
And  led  them  through  gloom,  to  the  glories  of  day. 

Unfetter'd  and  free  from  all  bias  and  factious, 
His  aim  INDEPENDENCE,  HUMANITY'S  CAUSE  ; 

His  histo'ry  dwells  in  his  deeds  and  his  actions, 
A  STATESMAN  in  peace,  and  an  HERO  in  war. 

Fond  hearts  to  his  shrine,  oft  shall  bring  their  oblations, 
Aifectiou's  best  feelings  his  merits  shall  claim; 

His  victories  shine  as  the  beacon  of  nation's, 
And  Liberty  triumph  in  WASHINGTON'S  name. 


JULY  4TH. 

Across  the  seas  a  gallant  few, 
No  pains,  no  threats  could  e'er  subdue  ; 


46  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Whose  hearts  were  staunch  and  valor  true. 
As  pilgrims  sought  the  shore. 

Where  beasts  they  prowFd  the  forest  shade, 

Where  red  men  o'er  the  country  stray'd ; 

These  valiant  few  were  undismay'd, 
Fair  freedom  to  adore. 

Soon  o'er  the  wave  with  ruthless  hand, 
Lo !  Edicts  chase  this  little  band ; 
Exacting  tribute  to  demand. 

And  claim  the  right  to  sway. 
The  sword  of  freedom  then  they  drew. 
And  to  the  winds  the  scabbard  threw  ; 
As  through  the  land  the  mandate  flew, 

For  battle  to  array. 

In  numbers  few,  in  courage  brave, 
With  hearts  as  dauntless  as  the  wave  : 
They  each  would  fill  a  freeman's  grave, 

Ere  bow  to  Kingly  pride. 
Fair  INDEPENDENCE  was  proclaim'd. 
Throughout  the  world  the  act  is  fam'd  ; 
Columbia  wherever  nam'd, 

With  honor  'tis  a"ied. 

Who  rose  as  lion's  from  their  lair, 
Who  did  by  sacred  honor  swear  ; 
Who  laid  their  manly  bosoms  bare, 

To  make  the  nation  free. 
Whose  names  in  history  shall  shine. 
Whose  memory  laurels  shall  entwine  : 
Whose  cause  and  triumph  was  divine. 

For  all  Humanity. 

Should  factions  e'er  to  mar  our  joys, 


.MISCKM.A.NEOUS    POEMS.  47 

Disunion's  plans  would  lain  devise ; 
Ye  spirits  of  the  past  arise, 

And  sweep  the  fiend  away. 
Could  he  who  freedom's  host  has  led, 
Or  they  who  martyrs  nobly  bled  ; 
See  treason  rear  its  hydra  head, 

;Twould  fill  them  with  dismay. 

From  every  voice  let  this  go  forth, 
We  know  no  south,  we  know  no  north  : 
To  rend  the  ties  this  day  gave  birth, 

Or  mar  our  jubilee. 
Let  freemen  all  united  stand, 
A  solid  phalanx  through  the  land ; 
And  bow  to  none  but  heaven's  command, 

To  God  and  Liberty. 

••Although  ten  thousand  altars  bear 
From  every  one  a  different  pray'r," 
At  freedom's  shrine  may  all  declare ; 

True  patriots  to  be. 

31ay  heaven  ev'r  smile  and  vict'ry's  sun, 
That  shed  its  rays  on  WASHINGTON  ; 
Arise  each  morn  and  find  us  one, 

United,  brave,  and  free. 


LINES  ON  THANKSGIVING  DAY. 

The  trees  are  bare  and  bleak  the  air, 

The  Summer's  glories  fied ; 
The  leaves  are  scattered  everywhere, 

The  llow'rs  are  droop'd  and  dead. 
The  birds  have  sought  a  sunny  clime, 

No  more  the  warbler's  sing ; 


48  MISCELLANEOUS   POEM-. 

And  every  spot  denotes  the  time, 
The  seasons  ever  bring. 

The  harvests  past  the  fruitful  fields. 

Most  plenteously  bestow ; 
And  to  the  farmer  amply  yields, 

While  garners  overflow. 
Our  people  bless'd  with  rosy  health. 

The  choicest  gift  of  hcuv'u  ; 
Surpassing  every  store  of  wealth, 

That  e'er  to  man  was  giv'u. 
Our  commerce  spreads  o'er  land  and  sea, 

Our  ships  in  triumph  sails  ; 
Our  wars  are  past,  the  nation's  free, 

And  peace !  blest  peace  prevails  ! 

The  tram])  of  war  is  heard  no  more, 

To  echo  through  the  vales  : 
The  garments  that  were  dy'd  in  gore, 

Have  vanish'd  with  the  gales, 
And  now  we  live  to  share  the  joy, 

That  patriots  true  did  claim ;] 
The  freedom  that  their  lives  did  buy, 

Shall  live  in  endless  fame. 

Our  youth  will  shortly  rule  the  land, 

And  we  its  scenes  must  leave  ; 
'Twas  ever  so  by  nature  plauu'd, 

That  time  should  all  bereave. 
Then  let  the  maxims  that  the  sires. 

So  nobly  did  bequeath  ; 
E'er  kindle  all  with  their  desires. 

For  "Liberty  or  Death." 

May  virtue  ever  be  the  aim, 


MISOELLAXKor.-;    |MHC.M>.  49 


With  youth  lor  to  contend  : 
And  on  its  basis  always  claim, 

Their  honor  to  defend. 
When  once  intelligent  and  brave, 

The  world  they  need  not  fear  ; 
It  may  engage,  but  can't  enslave  ! 

Then  wisdom  all  should  steer. 
While  art  and  science  all  invite, 

With  Avelcomes  to  its  shrine  ; 
Since  knowledge  is  a  nation's  might, 

May  none  this  boon  decline. 

Its  beacon  is  the  mountain  top, 

Decision  points  the  way  : 
Pursue  its  course  'tis  sweet  to  stop, 

And  through  its  beauties  stray. 
To  gather  laurels  on  its  hills, 

To  wreath  the  brow  with  fame, 
To  drink  deep  at  its  crystal  rills ; 

And  all  its  truth's  proclaim. 

Our  flocks  and  herds  in  myriads  graze. 

With  joy  our  hearts  to  greet  : 
Their  numbers  all  the  world  amaze. 

Our  comforts  are  complete. 
Our  boundaries  stretch  from  shore  to  shore, 

Resources  they  abound ; 
And  if  we  search  the  world  all  o'er, 

Their  equals  can't  be  found. 
Our  vessels  admiration  call. 

Most  gallantly  they  sail ; 
Our  lakes  and  streams,  rank  first  of  all, 

We've  most  of  miles  in  rail. 
Our  government  the  model  one ; 


50  MISCELLANEOr*    POEMS. 


Our  hopes  and  prospects  fair : 

Of  all  the  land  the  sun  slimes  on, 

None  can  -with  ours  compare. 

Our  rulers  are  our  own  consent. 

To  guide  the  ship  of  State ; 
We've  mines  and  every  element, 

To  make  a  nation  great. 

Success  unto  the  nation's  chief, 

And  officers  all  round  ; 
E'er  may  their  plans  be  just  and  brief, 

Their  hearts  and  honor  sound. 
May  God  above,  our  country  shield, 

And  guide  us  in  his  way  ; 
While  all  their  time  with  pleasure  yield, 

Too  keep  thanksgiving  day. 


PEACE. 

The  Goddess  of  peace  from  her  dwelling  descending, 
All  rob'd  in  humility  virtue  and  love ; 
Eutwiivd  hope  and  friendship,  harmonious  blending, 
A  foretaste  of  joys  from  the  mansions  above. 

All  sorrows  were  sooth'd,  in  her  voice  there  was  healing, 
While  commerce  and  plenty  proclaiming  her  sway  ; 
True  knowledge  and  light,  in  her  presence  revealing. 
The  glories  of  science,  their  triumph's  display. 

The  earth  tcem'd  with  fruits  while  110  fell  devastation, 
Spread  ruin  around,  nor  no  terrors  were  near ; 
Humanity  sniil'd,  while  the  God  of  creation. 
Strew'd  mercies  around  with  a  bountiful  cheer. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  51 


Shall  wars  curse  I  he  h"ul.  or  ambition  be  straip'ng, 
Its  aims  and  its  factious  to  lead  us  a  si  ray : 
With  pride  in  the  bosom  for  conquest  exclaiming, 
To  lead  us  to  slaughter  uul  battle  array. 

Shall  tyrants  exalted  with  cruelty's  sceptre  ? 
Again  crush  our  hopes  and  our  pleasures  dismay  ; 
Bereave  homes  and  hearts,  fill  our  vision's  with  spectres, 
And  man  in  God's  image,  bow  down  unto  clay. 

Peace  brings  us  its  bliss,  while  its  numerous  blessings, 
Profusely  are  springing  in  beauty  and  .bloom  : 
Long!  long !  may  its  joys,  all  the  world  be  possessing, 
Wb'lc  discord  is  sunk  in  oblivion's  tomb. 


THE   PRESS. 
A  nation's  bulwark  is  not  gold, 

But  hearts  with  valor  true  ; 
'Tis  knowledge  makes  a  nation  bold, 

Their  liberties  to  \  lew. 
To  safely  guard  a  country's  rights. 

Its  wrongs  for  to  redress ; 
And  at  the  root  of  error  smite, 

Give  freedom  to  the  pn 

It  adds  unto  the  merchant's  store, 

And  makes  true  merit  shine  ; 
Its  voice  resounds  from  shore  to  shore. 

Xo  limits  can  confine. 
Whoever  tried,  has  ever  found, 

To  make  its  voice  be  less ; 
Must  perish  by  the  fierce  rebound, 

And  justice  of  the  press. 


52  MI8CELLAXEOV.S    POEMS. 


For  to  rcfliie  the  human  mind, 

And  grant  its  joys  to  all; 
Its  powers  at  once,  we  ever  find, 

Respond  to  duty's  call. 
When  dangers  drear,  they  hover  near, 

It  succours  our  distre»  : 
Its  welcome  voice  disperses  fear, 

The  brave,  the  valiant  press. 

The  latest  news,  it  heralds  forth, 

'Tis  born  on  lightning's  wing  : 
And  from  remotest  parts  of  earth. 

Intelligence  does  bring. 
Inventions  of  the  modern  times. 

Beside  each  style  of  dress  : 
While  lectures,  anecdotes  and  rhymes, 

Are  quoted  by  the  press. 

It  does  the  hero's  laurel  wreath, 

Around  his  brow  entwine : 
And  to  posterity  bequeath, 

True  wisdom  from  each  clime. 
It  points  our  thoughts,  to  joys  on  high, 

Each  freeman  will  confess  ; 
It  does  his  mind  with  hope  supply, 

And  ever  cheer  the  press. 

Conservative  its  tone  should  be, 

And  ever  far  from  fear ; 
Its  scope  untrarnel'd,  bold  and  free, 

Each  hope  and  aim  sincere. 
Plain  truth  should  ever  lead  the  van, 

Nor  from  it  e'er  digress  ; 
The  rights  and  liberties  of  man, 

Are  ccut'red  in  the  press. 


MISrF.I.LANEOrS    POEMS.  53 

May  Heaven  shield  its  thousand  tongues! 

In  freedom  may  they  flow : 
Its  noble  voice  dispersing  wrongs, 

To  shield  the  land  from  woe. 
To  scatter  wisdom  all  around, 

Each  home,  and  heart  to  bless  ; 
May  all  the  world  be  ever  found. 

With  freedom  of  the  press. 


A  CONTRAST. 

Swiftly  glides  the  morning. 

Bringing  on  the  noon ; 
Evening  as  warning, 

Ushers  in  the  gloom. 
Night  with  sable  cover. 

All  to  darkness  doom  ; 
Perils  ever  hover, 

Chasing  to  the  tomb. 

Morn  in  tints  of  glory, 

Hails  the  rising  sun  ; 
Love  with  merry  story, 

Cheers  the  day  along. 
Eve  with  stars  and  pleasure, 

Welcomes  in  the  night ; 
Mercies  beyond  measure, 

Charm  us  with  delight. 

Time  is  ever  fleeting, 

Sorrow  is  at  hand ; 
Misery  is  seeking, 

All  alike  to  brand. 
Joy  is  not  for  mortals. 


54  MISCELLANEOUS    POEM>. 

In  this  fleeting  breath  : 
Soon  \vithin  its  portals. 
All  shall  sleep  in  death. 

Time  and  beauty  steers  us. 

Woe  for  to  beguile ; 
Sympathy  it  cheers  us. 

Hope  bids  sorrow  smile. 
Life's  a  glorious  treasure, 

Wisdom's  path  then  keep  ; 
Virtue  yields  true  pleasure, 

Death's  delicious  sleep. 

Disappointment  chases, 
'     Vanities  allure ; 
Fate  alike  embraces, 

Naught  below  is  sure. 
Years  are  as  a  river. 

Floating  down  the  stream  : 
Lov'd  ones  all  must  sever, 

Pleasure's  but  a  dream. 

Fortune  oft's  our  choosing, 

Whether  drear  or  fair  ; 
Melancholy  musing, 

Leads  us  to  despair. 
Lambs  arc  pleasYl  with  skipping, 

Birds  sing,  squirrels  play ; 
Bees  their  honey  sipping. 

Chase  dull  scenes  away. 

Nature  in  its  courses, 
Shows  alike  to  all  ; 
From  its  many  sources, 


MISCELLANEOrS   POEMS. 


Budd'ng,  bloom  and  fall. 
.A Inn  is  born  to  sorrow, 

"As  sparks  upward  fly  ;" 
Who  may  sec  to-morrow? 

Who  shall  dare  reply  ? 

Many  other  lessons, 

Mature  does  impart ; 
Leaving  these  impressions. 

On  the  human  heart. 
Life  is  not  for  sadness, 

Fill  the  cup  of  joy  : 
Drain  the  draught  with  gladness. 

Bid  all  sorrows  fly  ! 


A  CONTRAST. 

Slander  stains  the  purest  breast, 
Fills  the  heart  with  spleen  and  rancour ; 

Robs  the  mind  of  peace  and  rest, 
Steals  each  joy  and  loaves  a  canker. 

Truth's  a  glorious  brilliant  ray, 

Makes  the  bosom  glow  with  pleasure  ; 

Independent,1,  fair  as  day, 

Present  peace,  and  future  treasure. 

Slander  e'er  destroys  all  hope, 
Fills  the  cup  of  life  with  sorrow  ; 

Makes  our  thoughts  from  mercy  slope. 
Mars  to-day,  and  dreads  to-morrow. 

Truth  is  candid  pure  and  bright, 

Conscious  strength,  the  world  defying; 


56  MlSCET/LAXEOrS    POEMS 


Invincible,  free  as  the  light, 
Hopeful,  cheerful  and  undying. 


Slander  e'er  has  jealous  eyes, 

Sears  and  blunts  the  finest  feeling ; 

Narrow  minds  all  bliss  destroys. 
Crushes  promise,  lurks  concealing. 

Truth  is  noble,  fearless,  free, 

Worth  enhanc'd  on  close  inspection  ; 
Resistless,  infinite  decree. 

Shield  and  armor  of  perfection. 

Slander  shrinks  at  truth  on  sight, 
Mean  and  subtle  seeks  to  scandal ; 

Shuns  all  pleasure  and  delight, 
Acts  at  best,  a  modern  vandal. 

Truth's  the  richest  rarest  gem, 

Beams  that  cheer  us  with  illuming  ; 

Lustre  of  the  diadem, 

Virtue,  honor,  unassuming. 

Slander  sinks  below  the  brute, 
Snake  like  in  its  slime  to  revel : 

Stabs  its  victim  sly  and  mute, 
Hates  itself,  and  apes  the  devil. 

Truth  shall  everlasting  bloom, 

While  error's  bonds  for  aye  are  riven  ; 
Its  voice  shall  burst  the  silent  tomb, 

Its  sire  is  God,  its  centre  Heaven. 


MI8CELLANEOFS   POEMS.  57 

STANZAS. 

TO  MR.   JAMES  RrTCTTER,  AMSTERDAM,  JEFF.  CO.,  OHIO. 

How  pleasant  and  swift,  elide  the  moments  of  pleasure, 
To  sweet  meditation  and  musing  applied ; 
An  opportune  season,  I  offer  with  pleasure, 
A  tribute  where  friendship  and  merit  preside. 

How  pleasant  and  fair  are  the  rays  of  the  morning, 
Whose  tints  gild  the  skies  with  ouch  radiant  hue ; 
Still  transient  and  fleeting  one  moment  adorning. 
Another  receding,  the}-  fade  from  the  view. 

'Tis  so  with  the  world,  oft  the  brightest  of  faces, 
Where  friendship,  and  candor  seem  blent  in  the  smile  ; 
As  visions  depart  at  adversity's  traces. 
The  surface  was  sunny,  the  bosom  was  guile. 

The  joys  of  true  friendship,  no  season  can  sever. 
More  bright- are  its  beams,  than  the  splendors  of  mom; 
'Tis  seldom  in  riches — an  honest  endeavor 
Unit >lds  the  fair  gem  and  true  virtue  adorn. 

On  earth  such  arc  lew,  still  it  numbers  such  treasure. 
Surpassing  all  language,  or  pen  to  define ; 
How  aptly,  how  smoothly,  how  freely  the  measure, 
Uesponds  from  the  heart,  all  its  merits  are  thine. 

May  friendship's  pure  blisses  your  bosom  caressing, 
Diffuse  you  its  joys  with  HlV/s  sorrows  to  blend  ; 
May  Heaven  in  mercy,  impart  you  its  blessing, 
Elate  you  with  raptures.  Hie  wish  of  your  friend. 

THE  AVTHOR. 


58  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMs. 

LINES  ON  POTTERS'  FIELD. 
What  though  no  splendor  marks  the  spot. 

Nor  urn  the  humble  record  keep  ; 
Time  deals  us  all  a  common  lot, 

And  statutes  moulder  as  we  sleep. 

What  though  no  studied  cavalcade. 

Consign'd  them  to  their  parent  earth  ; 
Does  merit  dwell  in  rank  or  grade. 

Or  riches  equal  moral  worth  ? 

Each  life  an  history  unfolds, 

Who  e'er  the  humblest  aims  may  scan  . 
Know  upright  mem  and  Christian  mould. 

But  makes  the  hero,  and  the  man. 

Posterity,  alike  of  all. 

Shall  in  due  time,  o'er  each  decide  ; 
Nor  wealth,  nor  caste,  attention  call. 

Nor  virtue's  tribute  be  denied. 


MISERY. 
Where  is  thy  dreaded  dreary  glen, 

Thou  terror  of  the  sons  of  men  • 
Is  thy  abode  where  want  is  known. 

Where  all  forsaken  and  alone, 
Reigns  horror,  woe  and  care  ? 

Or  is  thy  ruthless,  heartless  sway. 
Where  vice  does  every  1)1  iss  decay ''. 

Where  words  of  kindness  never  flow, 
Where  virtue,  honor,  yields  to  woe. 

And  mercy  to  despair  '. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  59 

:Tis  not  alone,  where  want  is  known, 

I  plant  my  stfulard,  base  my  throne  ; 
Nor  where  despair  iu  anguish  moans. 

Nor  every  spot  where  virtues  flown, 
Prom  such  a  vicious  den  ! 

May  rise  at  length  a/ervent  pray'r, 
And  heavenly  lovo  may  banish  rare  : 

As  once  a  dying  th<ef  did  sue. 
The  joys  of  paradise  to  view  : 

Or  yield  a'Matcdalen. 

Say,  is  thy  dwelling  to  be  found, 

Where  heart's  bereav'd  and  solemn  sound '', 
Falls  on  the  ear  with  deepest  wail 

While  lips  they  quiver,  spirits  quail ; 
Away  from  scenes  of  joy  ! 

Where  death's  cold  hand  and  chilly  throe 
lias  laid  a  friend  forever  low, 

And  caus'd  a  sad  dismay  o'er  all ; 
That  bitter  cup  each  mortals  fall, 

Is  this  thy  destiny  'i 

Though  death  may  hearts  with  anguish  rend, 

Where  truth  does  with  the  spirit  blend  ; 
'.Midst  endless  love  it  will  appear. 

The  joys  of  a  celestial  sphere ; 
Does  such  to  bliss  invite 

The  final  struggle,  fatal  throe 
That  closing  pang  for  each  below. 

Breaks  on  the  vision,  death's  dark  paleT 
Is  past !  and  mercy  lifts  the  veil ; 

In  bound'ess  realms  of  light ! 

Canst  thou  thy  dreaded  stmg  conceal 


60  MISOEI.l.AXEOrs     1'OEMS. 


Beneath  a  panoply  o(  steel : 
Where  pompon?  pride  it  fain  would  soar. 

With  conquest  treachery  and  gore  : 
.Say,  canst  thon  nestle  there ''. 

Where  triumph  waves  ambition'.*  plume. 
Whose  smile  can  raise,  whose  frown  can  doom 

Who  sways  its  legions  with  a  nod. 
Exalted  as  an  earthly  Uod  ! 

C'an'st  thon  reign  rampant  here  '. 
» 

Oft  in  the  heart  when  blandest  smiles. 

With  nonchalance  and  cunning  wile? 
May  strive  to  steer  a  pleasant  course. 

Or  quaff  strong  wine  to  drown  remorse : 
1  plant  a  bitter  stin.tr ! 

The  humble  heart  with  grateful  voice. 
Array 'd  in  virtue  shall  rejoice; 

Uright  hope,  shall  in  the  cottage  dwell. 
Truth  and  true  merit  shall  excel  ; 

While  terrors  seize  the  king! 

This  is  thy  mansion,  hag  of  hate. 

Thou  wierd  like  terror,  this  thy  late  ; 
Where  solace  never  sheds  a  ray, 

Ol'  hope  of  an  eternal  day  ! 
"J.'is  they  who  may  deplore. 

Where  consolation  never  blooms, 
To  cheer  the  passage  to  the  tomb  ; 

Where  man's  best  aims  are  fix'd  on  dross. 
His  heavenly  hopes,  his  soul  a  loss  : 

When  life  is  past  and  o'er. 


MISCKU.ANEOCS    1'OKMS.  61 


FORTUNE 

Dame  fortune  is  a  licklt:  jadi', 

Her  path  beset  with  doubts  and  fears  ; 
Who  woo's  the  ever  changing  muitl, 

Who  sips  her  joys,  must  share  her  t'  ara 
The  bravest  men  betimes  may  lack, 

And  fortune  smile  on  simple  cloAv.ii 
[Mankind  ;it  best's  a  motley  pack, 

The»  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs. 

E'en  sophistry  awhile  may  shine, 

True  worth  may  yield  to  pomp  and  show 
The  peacock  struts  in  plumes  so  fine, 

The  best  of  birds,  lly  'neath  the  crow, 
The  sai^e  oft  ranks  bcloAv  the  hind, 

And  merit  shrinks  before  the  brown-: 
Kqualily !   where  will  yon  find? 

The  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs. 

The  lords  and  vassals  of  the  earth. 

Few  rise  from  effort,  most  by  clian 
Where  AAcallh  descended  at  the  birth, 

They  owe  their  all  to  eircumstaiie< 
Professors  claim  a  lofty  part. 

And  on  the  man  of  labor  frown:  : 
:MK  rredinu  by  the  dint  of  art, 

The  world  is  made  of  tips  and  down 

The  man  who  most  of  all  has  toil'd. 

Uas  but  his  blessing  to  bequeath  : 
The  bee  has  all  its  efforts  foil'd, 

While  drones  enjoy,  his  idiare  i:  d<alh. 
Since  furl  tine's  hand  is  link'd  \\illi  fair. 

Who  mounts  the  summit  of  renown. 


62  .MISCELLANEOUS    I'OKMS. 

Must  yield  her  treasures  soon  or  late  ; 
The  world  is  made  of  tips  and  downs. 

Whose  uueestry  shone  bright  with  lame, 

Oil  claims  their  laurels  as  Ms  own  ; 
Whose  sire  was  worthless,  Mind,  or  lame. 

Such  deeds  were  theirs,  he  stands  alone  ! 
What's  aristocracy  at  most  ? 

Oft  pride  or  wine  their  senses  drowns ; 
A  vain  assuming,  useless  host, 

The  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs. 

A  few  pretending  critic  folks, 

Who  guard  the  path  to  wisdom's  throne  : 
Sty  I'd  connoisseurs!  a  monstrous  ^hoax, 

P'rhaps  not  a  page  can  call  their  own. 
Too  dull  to  soar  reflection's  heights, 

They  prate  of  logic,  verbs  and  nouns ; 
Pass  as  the  fading  meteor's  light, 

The  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs. 

Give  me  the  man  who  stands  above, 

The  world's  contention  din  and  strife ; 
Whose  aims,  whose  actions  ever  prove, 

The  truth,  the  tenor  of  his  life. 
A  voice  to  cheer,  ajiand  to  save, 

Whose  noble  brow  true  honor  crowns'; 
Who'd  scorn  to  kneel  as  fortune's  slave. 

The  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs. 


THE  RICH  MAN. 

His  actions  are  written  on  honor's  bright  scroll, 
Pure  axioms  alone  are  his  aim*; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  63 

True  knowledge  his>  jewels,  nor  glaring  his  stole, 

To  dazzle  and  vanity  claim. 
His  diadem  virtue,  integrity  pep  "Is. 

The  soul  is^his  casket  to  shield  ; 
Each  gem  that  reflection's  bright  treasure  unfurls, 

Discretion  the  weapon  he  v  lelcls. 

His  bosoui  with  mercy  abundantly,  teems, 

Choice  wisdom  he  treasures  as  store  ; 
The  tints  of  the  sunset  that  play  on  the  stream, 

Invite  him  with  rapture  to  soar. 
Since  all  is  ideal,  since  nothing  is  ours, 

We  vanish,  to  dust  are  consign'd  ; 
Time  passes,  we  perish,  we  fleet  as  the  hours, 

Immortal  alone  is  the  iniiid. 

A  conscience  approving,  a  witness  within, 

Nor  riches  can  ever  impart : 
Tis  rob'd  in  fair  virtue,  it  dwells  not  with  sin, 

And  springs  from  the  truth  of  the  heart. 
Its  source  as  a  fountain  eternal  shall  How, 

Omnipotence  ever  supplies ; 
Its  promises  lift  us  from  sorrows  beloAV. 

Its  hope  is  a  home  in  the  skies. 

A  talent  is  cherish'd  that  never  can  lade-, 

Improved  and  enhancYi  in  its  worth ; 
He  muses  with  joy  on  true  merit  repaid. 

Nor  sighs  for  the  treasures  of  earth. 
Life's  transient  completed  the  spirit  has  lied, 

Away  from  caprices  and  care  ; 
Where  joys  arc  eternal  the  soul  it  has  sped. 

And  truth  i*  the  rubv  we  wear. 


64  MISCELLANEOrS    POEM*. 

LINES  ON  THE  ATLANTIC  CABLE. 
Let  all  in  rapture  praise  Ihe  Pow'r. 

That  thus  does  lands  unite  ; 
And  may  each  nation  1'roiu  this  hour, 

Their  vows  with  honor  plight. 
The  Pow'r  who  sends  the  lightning  down. 

Who  rules  o'er  all  below  ; 
Has  man  with  palms  and  triumph  crown' d, 

This  boonribr  to  beslo\v. 
Unto  thejwisdom  of  the  soul. 

It  yields  its  service  tree  : 
While  art  and  science  shall  control, 

Its  path  beneath  the  sea. 
Though  in  its  might,  it  man  deli'  -. 

God  wills  it  should  diffuse ; 
(Through  ocean's  depths  its  meed  supplies,) 

With  flaming  tongue,  the  new. . 

Next  swift  to  thought,  it  speeds  its  wa  , . 

On  fiery  wings  of  flame  ; 
In  majesty  and  dread  array. 

Its  mission  to  proclaim. 
Electric  bauds  low  in  the  deep, 

Now  span  the  ocean's  shore  ; 
This  tenant  of  the  skies  shall  sweep, 

Its  gloomy  caverns  o'er. 
The  thunder  bolts  at  length  obey. 

Since  genius  bade  them  fly  : 
Invisibly  this  Heavenly  ray, 

To  wisdom  does  comply. 

In  silence  as  we  own  the  cause. 
That  space  almost  destroys  ; 
liellect  and  wonder  ere  applause, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEM.-.  65 

Does  from  our  lips  arise. 
Shall  concord  from  the  cable  spring  ! 

Or  sordid  aims  abuse  ? 
The  fruit  that  earth  each  season  brings. 

And  thus  this  gift  misuse. 
May  God  forbid  and  mercy  guide, 

This  great  and  wondrous  plan  ; 
AVI i ile  wires  connect  us  side  by  side, 

.Mav  truth  bind  man  to  man. 


"RENDER  UNTO  CEASAR,  THE  THINGS  THAT 
ARE  CEASAR'S.  " 

Revered  be  the  hero  reposing  in  slumbers. 

While  lightning's  are  flying,  o'er  land  and  through  sea; 

Columbia  exultingly  adds  to  her  numbers. 

His  name  on  the  scroll  of  the  noble  and  free. 

Though  lowly  of  birth,  all  the  nation's  revcr'd  him 
His  fame  it  shall  last,  while  the  ocean  doth  roll ; 
As  liberty's  friend,  all  the  world  it  shall  cheer  him. 
And  tyranny's  foe  from  the  depth  of  th<-  soul. 

'Twas  heaven's  high  arch,  electricity's  dwelling. 
Had  baffled  all  science  for  centuries  past  : 
Twas  Franklin  who  first  in  his  wisdom  excelling, 
Like  Columbus  of  old.  he  the  -'egg  broke  at  last." 

In  silence  he  sleeps,  wliile  posterity  praises, 
Each  message  proclaiming  that.  Hashes  along  ; 
His  name  to  the  world  through  futurity's  ma/.es, 
Shall  llourish  while  time  in  its  circuit  doth  run. 


66  MISCELLANEOUS    "OK>U. 

HAPPINESS. 

Happiness  is  a  gem, 

And  pure  virtue  the  stem ; 
Contentment  abides  at  the  root. 

"^  v'le  temperance  cleaves. 

To  its  branches  as  leaves ; 
Mild  charity  grows  as  its  fruit. 

There  true  friendship  presides, 
And  humanity  _ guides ; 

With  joys  most  resplendent  and  clear. 
While  true  peace  ever  blends, 
Each  as  brothers  and  friends  ; 

To  llourish  and  bloom  all  the  year. 

Faith  and  confidence  join, 

K'ndest  mercies  combine ; 
Their  glory  and  grace  Jo  bestow. 

Consolation  appe^'s, 

Inspiration  it  cheers ; 
SurpassHg  all  blessings  below. 

May  th's  plant  ever  grow, 

In  th's  valley  below  ; 
Its  fragrance  and  joys  to  disclose. 

:Tis  a  type  we  should  prize. 

Of  a  home  in  the  skies  : 
A  comfort  to  banish  our  woes  : 

Diligently  then  call, 
On  the  Saviour  of  all ; 

To  guard  you  to  reach  to  its  goal. 
It  will  point  you  above, 
Unto  mansions  of  love  ; 

And  fill  with  sweet  raptures  the  soul. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  67 


LOVE. 

Tis  vain  to  portray  or  to  paint, 

Unless  we  first  become  acquaint ; 
But,  since  it  is  a  part  of  all, 

None  can  complain  since  Adam's  fall 
The  world  may  say  just  what  it  will, 

Dame  nature  wi'1  be  nature  still ; 
And  from  its  era  ever  prove, 

That  all  below  should  live  and  love. 

Creation  all  in  various  ways. 

The  same  propensity  displays  ; 
They  woo  and  mate,  they  all  agree, 

In  pleasure  peace  and  amity. 
The  beasts  who  roam  the  forests  wild, 

In  pairs  unite  quite  reconcil'd  ; 
And  from  the  serpent  to  the  dove, 

They  each  and  all  have  tasted  love. 

It  rules  us  all,  we  all  obey, 

Each  soul  below  has  felt  its  sway  ; 
It  is  the  happiest  of  themes, 

It  both  in  saint  and  savage  gleams. 
It  makes  our  lives  and  spirits  cheer. 

Its  truest  emblem  is  a  tear  ; 
Though  far  away  our  thoughts  they  rove, 

Our  very  nature  smiles  at  love. 

Ah !   who  can  call  the  lover  weak  '. 

When  all  below  its  raptures  seek ; 
'Twas  handed  down  from  sire  to  son. 

From  time  that  was  and  is  to  coin; . 
Ere  earth's  foundations  first  were  laid, 

Ere  light  it  shone,  or  man  was  made : 


68  MISCELLANEOUS    1'OEMs. 

It  was  supreme,  all  thought  above, 
Our  very  maker,  "God  is  love  !" 


LOVE 

Love  is  a  gem  will  ever  ibloom, 

It  never  knows  decay  . 
It  lives  again  beyond  the  tomb, 

When  lite  has  pass'd  away. 
It  is  a  native  of  the  skies, 

A  spark  from  heaven  above  ; 
The  choicest,  noblest,  richest,  prize, 

E'er  known  below  is  love. 
Affection's  kindest  mercies  dwell, 

Within  each  humau  breast ; 
Surpassing  any  tongue  !o  toll. 

Where'er  it  is  posso-'d 
It  i.s  the  end  and  final  goal. 

Its  emblem  is  the  dove  ; 
Tis  inspiration  to  the  soul, 

And  best  of  treasures — LOVE. 


FORGET  ME  NOT. 
Farewell !  Farewell !   whatever  clime, 

Or  late  may  be  thy  lot  : 
One  favor  through  the  lapse  of  lime 

Iask<   "Forget  me  not." 

May  mercy  shield  thee,  cha^   each  t<  '" 
Nor  guilt  thy  conscience  blot  : 

The  heartfelt  wish,  the  silent  tear 
Proclaim!    "Foruet  me  not." 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  69 

MAKHIAGE. 

The  happy  marriage  may  be  thus  defin'd. 

Two  hearts  in  unison  two  wills  comhhvd  : 

A  sacred  rompact  of  united  love. 

A  taste  of  rapture  from  the  realms  above. 

Ordained  by  heaven  our  sorrows  to  assuage, 

And  elicer  the  pathway  to  declining  age. 

The  open  eonntenanee,  the  beaming  eye, 

The  gentle  manner  and  the  kind  reply  : 

The  mind  ennobled  and  the  constant  heart. 

Shall  claim  affection  and  content  impart ; 

Go  seek  pure  virtue,  though  in  humble  life, 

And  from  its  followers  select  a  wife  ; 

Long  may  she  live  your  treasure  and  your  pride, 

Your  pleasures  double  and  your  cares  divide. 


WOMAN. 
Charming  creature  sylph  like  form, 

Beauty's  mould  thy  shape  adorns  ; 
Grace  and  love  they  till  those  eyes. 

Fairest  gem  of  paradise  ! 
il'i|ic  and  solace  to  the  heart. 

Tis  thy  mission  to  impart : 
Thine  to  watch  the  bent  of  youth. 

-Mould  llic  infant  mind  to  truth. 
Teach  the  little  prattling  voice, 

Cheer  the  husband  of  thy  choice  ; 
Shed  a  charm  around  the  spot, 

Fortune  deigns  thee  as  thy  lot. 

_N:itmv  gave  tiu-e  as  a  dow'r. 

Chains  to  bind  the  strongest  pow'r 


70  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Lo  !  ti)c  savage  of  the  wilds, 

Leaps  elate  at  woman's  smiles. 
Oft  the  brightest  plume  of  fame, 

Bows  to  thee  a  heart  to  claim  ; 
Kings  are  smitten  with  thy  charms, 

Heroes  cease  from  feats  of  arms. 
Tis  thy  voice  can  cheer  the  gloom, 

From  the  cradle  to  the  tomb  ; 
Sink  within  the  heart  as  dew, 

Light  as  love  the  mind  renew. 
Strew  our  path  with  pure  delighl  : 

Constancy  should  thee  requite . 
Man  beholds  thy  bright  renown, 

Shine  most  fair  in  virtue's  crown  • 
Sympathetic  cords  entwine, 

Love's  united — most  divine. 


THE  PARTING. 

The  bride  was  clres't  in  rich  array, 

With  cheeks  of  rosy  hue  ; 
Her  form  was  fairy  like  and  gay, 

Her  heart  was  pure  and  true. 
But  Oh  !  such  thoughts  her  bosom  burn'd. 

The  parting  hour  was  near  : 
A  loving  look  on  all  she  turn'd, 

Though  gazing  through  a  tear. 

It  was  a  pearl  of  richest  price. 

Affection  bade  it  flow ; 
In  after  years  its  silent  voice, 

Shall  in  times  current  show. 
The  husband  view  with  manly  pride. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  71 

T lie  maid  he  lov?d  so  dear ; 
And  fondly  seated  by  her  side, 
In  memory  scr  Hie  tear. 

Away  with  costlyjjuseless  toys, 

That  pomp  around  may  throw  ; 
Give  me  the  pure  the  tender  joys, 

That  make  the  bosom  glow. 
Give  me  the  bliss  from  Constance  sprung. 

Through  time  for  to  revere  ; 
With  thoughts  and  scenes  that  know  no  tongue, 

But  dwell  within  a  tear. 


ON  A  TEAR. 

Oh  !  who  shall  paint  that  crystal  drop ! 

When  mercy  bids  it  How  : 
All  language  it  must  fail  and  stop. 

The  heart  alone  may  know. 
It  starts  for  joj^,  it  falls  for  woe, 

It  shows  the  mind  sincere ; 
And  when  the  bosom  thrills  -with  glow, 

'Tis  mirror'd  in  a  tear. 

In  hopes  bright  mansions,  there  'midst  bloom, 

It  oft  is  known  to  fall ; 
In  homes  of  misery  and  gloom. 

Its  force  is  felt  by  all. 
At  bridal  festivals  it  steals, 

Unseen,  unbidden,  near ; 
When  death  bereaves  the  widow  feels, 

The  sad  and  silent  tear. 

In  life's  young  morn  it  oft  appears, 


MISOELT.ANEOFS    T'OEM.S. 


To  moist  the  cheek  of  youth  : 
It  dwell?  with  anguish  bliss  and  fear-. 

\Vith  constancy  and  truth. 
\Vhen  storms  assail  the  gallant  ship. 

When  all  around  is  drear  ; 
When  solemn  vows  escape  the  lip. 

The  pledge  is  oft  a  tear. 

Oh  !  tell  me  not  of  manhood's  pride, 

Of  valor  pomp  or  fame  ; 
The  bravest  hero  oft  has  sigh'd. 

Who  felt  a  sacred  Hume. 
When  love's  first  impulse  warm  d  the  heart, 

AVith  sympathetic  cheer; 
It  made  our  better  feeliugs  start 

While  rapture  claim'd  a  tear. 

It  tells  what  language  never  can. 

It  is  a  type  of  peace ; 
The  noblest  tribute  paid  to  man. 

Within  this  gem  we  trace. 
The  brightest  feelings  of  the  soul. 

With  all  we  hold  most  dear  : 
Unbidden  from  its  fountains  roll. 

And  fflitter  in  a  tear. 


ON  A  KISS. 

An  unspeakable  thrill. 

Oft  I  cherish  it  still ; 
Nor  my  mind  can  be  never  remiss. 

When  I  think  on  the  glade, 

Where  I  woo'd  the  fair  maid  : 
Who  rewarded  mv  vows  with  a  kiss. 


Mlsi  EU.ANEOU3    POEMS.  73 


Brightest  joy  of  the  soul. 

Far  surpassing  the  whole  : 
;Tis  a  foretaste  of  heavenly  bliss. 

While  it  solaces  fear, 

It  is  twin  to  a  tear  ; 
All  the  languages  dwell  in  a  kiss. 

Oh !  I  ever  shall  greet, 

The  fond  rural  retreat ; 
Where  our  hearts  were  united — like  this, 

In  rapture  we  sigh'd, 

I  call'd  her  niy  bride  ; 
While  the  compact,  was  sealed  with  a  kiss. 

May  young  tendrils  caress, 
The  fond  stem  that  they  press  ; 

Xor  a  leaf  from  itsjbranches  e'er  miss. 
Or  if  death  should  invade, 
\Vhen  we  pass  to  its  shade  ; 

May  we  yield  the  last  sigh  on  a  kiss. 

Both  maidens  and  swains, 

Their  hearts  'twill  explain  ; 
And  banish  all  fear  and  remiss. 

Yc  who  doubt  it,  may  try. 

And  united  enjoy, 
The  magic,  the  charms  of  a  kiss. 


IP  GIFTS  WERE  GRACES.  " 
If  gifts  were  graces, 
Should  pretty  faces ; 
Make  such  grimaces. 
And  pout  and  leer. 


74  MISCELLANEOUs'rOEMS. 

Eyes  slyly  winking. 
Swains  timid  shrinking ; 
Maids  little  thinking, 
Young  cupid  near. 
With  bliss  elated, 
Thus  captivated  ; 
Love  is  narrated. 
The  silent  tear. 
Brings  consolation. 
Frees  hesitation : 
Assimilations, 
Each  bosom  cheer. 

Were  gold  a  treasure. 
Gave  constant  pleasure  ; 
At  toil  or  leisure, 
'T would  well  repay. 
'Midst  glee  and  glory, 
To  sing  its  story  : 
Old  wisdom  hoary. 
To  cast  away. 
With  fame  delighted. 
Ambition  plighted : 
Experience  slighted, 
And  set  aside. 
Gay  plumes  adoring. 
Merit  ignoring ; 
Each  wish  exploring, 
To  take  the  tide. 

Were  shrewdness  beauty, 
Deceit  a  duty ; 
I'd  never  moot  ye, 
Might  speed  your  way. 


MISCELLAXEOCS    POEM?.  75 


No  conscience  searing, 
No  ties  revering ; 
Nor  future  tearing. 
Some  distant  day. 
The  force  of  sorrow. 
Invading  thorough ; 
And  dread  to-momnv. 
With  every  care. 
Smile  at  deception, 
Avoid  reflection  ; 
And  claim  perfection. 
Nor  taste  despair. 

Choose  truth  forever. 
Who  would  endeavor  ; 
Its  bonds  to  sever. 
Let  such  depart. 
Dissimulation, 
Exaggeration, 
Stains  reputation, 
And  chills  tiie  hcaU. 
The  purest  grace: . 
Shun  evil  places  : 
Time  all  effaces. 
The  silent  call. 
It  ends  all  revel, 
Dispute  and  cavil : 
And  to  a  level, 
Jl  brings  us  all. 

Enough's  Hie  quantum. 
Time  bul  a  phantom  : 
While  mortals  vaunl  them, 
Of  countless  store. 


76  MISCELLANEOUS    1>O  KM*. 


The  cherish'd  vision, 
As  in  derision ; 
Flees  with  decision. 
For  evermore. 
Hope  e'er  is  vernal, 
Truth  reigns  eternal ; 
The  world's  a  journal, 
Of  joy  and  strife. 
Extremes  vexation, 
Pride  irritation ; 
And  moderation. 
The  balm  of  life*. 


TO  A  FRIEND. 

The  bee  seeks  for  honey, 

To  sip  and  enjoj' ; 
He  wanders  through  valley  and  dell, 

The  miser  for  money, 
His  peace  to  destroy ; 

And  all  his  best  feelings  to  quell. 
As  the  bee  among  flow'r- 

Be  happy  and  gay ; 
Wherever  your  lot  may  be  cast. 

Refreshing  your  powers, 
With  wisdom  each  day ; 

And  joys  that  shine  brightest  at  last. 

The  lamb  gayly  playing. 

Unmindful  of  harm ; 
Ne'er  dreams  of  the  doom  does  await, 

The  coward  is  straying, 
'Midst  gloom  and  alarm  ; 

His  fears  they  add  terror  to  fate. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  77 

As  the  lamb  free  from  guile, 

In  innocence  pure ; 
With  danger  and  sorrow  no  share. 

May  Providence  smile. 
And  keep  you  secure  ; 

Away  from  all  grief  and  despair. 

The  bird  sweetly  singing, 

He  soars  for  the  sky  ; 
To  render  his  tribute  of  praise. 

The  slanderer  stinging, 
Is  vicious  and  shy ; 

While  misery  numbers  his  days. 
As  the  bird  you  may  soar, 

Thai  aims  lor  the  sun; 
Thy  virtues  and  deeds  to  record, 

When  your  days  I  hey  are  o'er, 
To  hear  a  "Well  done 

Go  enter  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.'' 

May  hope  and  contentment, 

E'er  cheer  you  along  ; 
Hiiicc,  God  for  each  act  will  requite. 

Avoid  all  resentment, 
Temptations  or  wrony  ; 

Your  conscience  or  honor  to  blight. 
"Tis  ever  a  treasure, 

A  heart  that  is  true; 
JS'o  clime  the  affection  destroys. 

It  charms  beyond  ineasuiv, 
E'er  blooming  anew  ; 

The  first  of  mortality's  joys. 

A  talent  is  given, 


78  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Each  one  to  improve ; 
And  one  that  can  never  decay. 

A  native  of  heaven. 
A  spark  from  above ; 

Resides  in  this  temple  of  clay. 
Then  add  to  its  beauty. 

Ere  harvest  shall  come ; 
Preserve  it  unsullied  and  clean. 

Love,  mercy  and  duty. 
E'er  guide  to  that  home ; 

Whore  all  is  divine  and  serene. 


THE  ROSE. 

The  rose  is  iar  the  fairest  iiow'r. 

Its  perfume  scents  the  air : 
Its  blossoms  dignify  the  bow'r. 

With  grace  and  beauty  rare. 
Its  boughs  that  round  the  harbor  twine. 

Each  passing  zephyr  woos  ; 
Where  humming  birds  so  gay  recline, 

And  butterflys  repose. 
Its  opening  buds  an  emblem  shows. 

With  elegance  allied ; 
Ere  blushing  lovely  blooms  disclose, 

The  gardens  palm  and  pride. 
Its  tints  surpass  all  works  of  art. 

When  bath'd  in  morning  dew  ; 
And  choicest  odors  does  impart. 

To  cheer  and  charm  the  view. 
It  seems  when  drooping  on  the  stem, 

As  smiling  on  the  gloom ; 
While  fading  still  this  precious  gem, 

Sheds  fragrance  o'er  the  tomb. 


.MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  79 


NATIONAL  ANTHEM. 

.Y  DEPU'ATEO  TO  EVEKY  LOVER  OF  THEIR  C.'Of 
TRY. 

Hoist  your  proud  banner,  the  emblem  of  glory, 
As  free  as  the  breezes  in  beauty  unfurl'd : 

Millions  of  freemen  shall  smile  at  its  story, 
Its  stars  with  effulgence  shall  dazzle  the  world. 

c  noi;rs. 

Hoist  your  proud  banner  o'er  land  and  o'er  sea, 
Shout  your  Ilosanna's,  the  Nation  is  free. 

Forgot  be  all  discord,  for.ua ve  harsh  opinions, 
With  hearts  lirm  united  each  loyal  and  brave  : 

While  Liberty  smiles  o'er  our  cherished  dominions, 
We  sigh  for  the  fallen  who  pcrish'd  to  save. 
OHOBTJS. 

Hoist  your  proud  banner  o'er  land  and  o'er  sea, 
Shout  your  Hosanna's,  the  Nation  is  free. 

God  grant,  our  blest  country,  no  despot  can  sever, 
Preserve  us  we  pray  thee,  the  hope  of  each  clime : 

Protect  us  with  peace  and  with  plenty  forever, 
A  refuge,  a  triumph  of  truth  beyond  time. 

CIIOKl  S. 

Hoist  your  proud  banner  o'er  land  and  o'er  sea, 
Shout  your  Hosanna's.  the  Nation  is  free. 


MOONLIGHT. 

Softly  falls  the  moon's  pale  light. 

Upon  the  glassy  sea  ; 
II  gently  rules  the  silent  night. 

And  casts  a  charming  radiance  bright : 
Across  the  grassy  lea. 


80  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  lake  reflects  its  gentle  beams, 
And  mirrors  them  most  lair  ; 

The  stars  appear  with  richest  gleam, 
And  glitter  in  the  crystal  stream  ; 

Like  diamonds  sparkling  there. 

The  spangled  skies  are  seen  below, 
The  moon  is  there  portray'd ; 

Or  clouds  obscure  its  pleasant  glow, 
Betimes  across  its  splendor  flow  ; 

At  others  faintly  shade. 

The  maiden  loiters  in  the  grove, 

Her  swain  is  by  her  side : 
Their  minds  are  soaring  up  above, 

And  by  its  light  he  plights  his  love ; 
And  claims  L..T  as  his  bride. 

It  shines  upon  each  native  hill, 
Where  all  in  childhood  play'd ; 

It  makes  our  recollections  thrill, 
We  think  the  glories  brighter  still ; 

Its  first  impressions  made. 

With  equal  grace  it  deigns  to  all, 

An  equal,  ample  share  ; 
The  wretched  who  in  sorrow  1'all, 

Its  rays  to  joys  would  lain  recall : 
And  point  to  mercy  there. 

Koll  on  fair  empress,  lend  thy  ray  ! 

To  cheer  the  sable  gloom  , 
Still  guide  our  path  while  here  we  stay  ; 

Until  thy  gentle  shadows  play, 
Around  the  silent  tomb. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  81 

ECHO. 

There  is  a.  fairy  o'er  the  hills, 

It  dwells  far  o'er  the  dales ; 
It  bounds  o'er  streams  and  gushing  rills. 

And  past  the  flowery  vales. 

It  tlies  aloi't,  it  passes  oft. 

O'er  land,  o'er  lake  and  sea  : 
Its  voice  is  musical  and  soft, 

It  speeds  unchain'd  and  free. 

I  oft  have  listeu'd  when  a  boy, 

To  hear  this  fairy  lice ; 
It  oft  has  made  me  thrill  with  joy, 

Its  form  none  e'er  can  see. 

'Tis  light  as  air,  perhaps  as  fair, 

You  all  have  heard  it  sound ; 
It  Hies  as  lightning  everywhere, 

Still  never  can  be  found. 


ON  CHILDHOOD. 

In  reverie  often  I  muse, 

llow  childhood's  gay  morning  \vas  spent ; 
Where  each  life's  gay  pictures  would  choose, 

Enjoying  the  sweetest  content. 
Our  hopes  all  were  ceut'red  in  joys, 

With  peace  and  simplicity  crown'd ; 
Our  riches  consisted  in  toys. 

While  seasons  flew  merrily  round. 

When  spring  deck'd  the  meadows  with  green. 
The  birds,  Oh  !  how  sweetly  they  sung  ; 


82  MISCELLANEOUS     TOKMS. 


While  lambs  gaily  tripping  were  scon. 

The  valley  with  melody  rung. 
Our  hearts  were  as  blythsome  as  they, 

AVhile  echo  to  add  to  the  scone: 
Resounded  so  merry  and  gay. 

The  fame  of  the  village  May  queen. 

In  summer  we  sought  the  cool  shade, 

Where  daises  were  spread  o'er  the  lawn; 
Or  stray'd  through  the  valley  and  glade. 

Enjoying  the  fragrance  of  morn. 
Delight  in  our  bosoms  arose. 

Exulting  with  triumph  and  joy  ; 
Each  glance  some  new  scene  would  disclose, 

T\vas  happy  to  roam  when  a  boy. 

In  autumn  when  harvest  appear'd. 

So  merry  our  ccstacy  grew  ; 
With  fruits  amidst  frolics  we  cheer'd, 

How  swirly  the  moments  they  tlew. 
Such  artless  simplicities  please, 

Makes  childhood  to  glide  as  the  stream  ; 
With  scenes  of  contentment  and  ease, 

Tis  bliss  in  rehearsing  the  theme. 

Next  winter  had  joys  in  great  store, 

How  gay  in  such  revels  we'd  pride ; 
Though  frosts  they  were  chilly  and  hoar, 

In  triumph  to  merrily  slide. 
The  aged  may  shiver  and  sigh. 

While  youth  would  with  ecstacy  glow  : 
As  one  raise  their  voices  on  high, 

To  loudly  huzza  for  the  snow. 

As  manhood  approaches  we  leave. 


MlSCKI.f.ANKOl  s    TOKMS.  *.". 


The-  scenes  that  we  ever  hold  dear  ; 
To  customs  and  fashions  we  cleave. 

With  habits  secluded  and  drear. 
The  world  il  may  show  us  a  smile. 

Ti>  inix'd  with  a  bitter  alloy  : 
True  happiness  dwells  not  in  guile, 

Oh  !  give  me  the  heart  of  the  boy. 


HOME. 

There  is  an  altar  brighter  fur, 
Than  sunny  skies  or  lilies  fair  ; 

"J'is  more  resplendent  than  a  star, 
This  sacred  spot  in  beauty  rare. 

'Twas  there  I  clasp Yl  a  mother's  hand, 
Twas  there  a  sister's  lips  I  pres'd  : 

Twas  brilliant  as  a  fairy  land, 

While  pleasure  hush'd  my  cares  to  rest. 

The  woodbine  (here  its  fragrance  lent, 
And  roses  fair  bedeck'd  the  scene; 

Around  the  cottage,  shone  content. 
While  peace  it  reign'd  o'er  all  serein  . 

Attracted  Urns  \ve  fondly  staid. 

Our  toys  were  treasures  more  than  gold 
In  joy  so  happy  there  wo.  play'd. 

With  not  a  wish  beyond  its  fold. 

With  tops  or  marbles  ever  gay. 

While  Siss  with  dolls  begnil'd  the  time  ; 
Our  life  was  as  a  summer's  day. 

Where  merry  birds  their  music  ehim<>. 


Si  MlSCKU.\NK<>r>     PO1 


'Tis  sweet  to  think,  'lis  sweet  1o  know, 
A  spot  on  earth  where'er  wo  stray  ; 

To  love  and  cherish  free  from  woe. 
In  memory  fresh  to  ne'er  decay. 

Just  as  the  compass  does  incline, 

To  point  the  way  where'er  we  rouui : 

The  heart  it  bends  toward  its  shrine, 
In  sweet  remembrance  of  a  home. 


THE  INFANT'S  DREAM. 

It  slumbering  in  the  cradle  lay. 

A  talent  unto  mortals  given  ; 
A  vital  spark  in  infant  clay. 

The  image  of  the  God  of  Ileav'u. 

It  sweetly  sleeps,  the  gentle  smile 
Is  playing  on  its  dimpled  cheek ; 

Its  vision  all  unknown  to  guile, 
Is  one  all  language  fails  to  speak. 

Perchance  around  from  realms  above, 
Are  kindred  spirits,  purest  joys  : 

Where  once  in  ecstacy  and  love. 
It  dwelt  as  they  in  paradise. 

Or  haply  stray 'd  in  Eden's  bow'rs, 
Where  endless  raptures  ever  tlow  : 

'.Midst  vernal  beauty,  bloom  and  liow'iv. 
Away  from  sorrow,  sin  and  woe. 

It  sweetly  sleeps,  some  fairy  hand 

Its  fancy  clasp>  with  blissful  cheer; 
A  bright  angelic  angel  band, 


MISCELLANEOUS   1'oKM-.  85 


May  no\v  in  glory  hover  near. 

Oh  !  mother  watch  that  youthful  form, 
A  precious  talent  slumbers  there  ; 

Its  artless  innocence  shall  warm, 
Thy  tender  heart  and  cheer  thy  care. 

Tis  thine,  the  trust,  the  twig  incline, 
And  may  thy  toils,  be  richly  paid  ; 

Through  after  years  in  age  to  find, 
An  ample  shelter  'neath  its  shade. 

It  starts  amaz'd.  it  looks  around, 
The  spell  is  broke,  the  charm  is  fled ; 

While  hurried  steps  in  discord  sound, 
It  fain  would  fly,  it  cries  in  dread. 

The  hand  of  mercy,  bliss  supplies, 
A  tender  mirror,  love  displays  ; 

When  looking  in  its  mother's  eyes, 
A  smiling  cherub,  meets  the  gaze  i 


ON  THE  DEATH  OF  AN  INFANT. 

So  soon  it  passed  from  earth  away, 

It  new  not  grief  or  care ; 
The  summons  came  it  could  not  stay, 

But  why  should  he  despair  ? 
It  lives  again  in  light  and  love, 

'Tis  free  from  grief  or  pain  .„ 
It  passed  from  us  to  Christ  above, 

la  bliss  witli  him  to  reign. 
Farewell !  sweet  bud  of  hope  and  joy, 

Our  sorrows  none  can  tell ; 
Still  lie  who  reigns  o'er  all  on  high, 

"He  doeth  all  things  well." 


86  MIscKT.I.AXUnrs     I'»KMS. 


A  LEISURE  HOUR. 
Here  on  Ike  mountain's  giddy  hcigln. 

Whoso  lofty  summit  thron'd  hi  light ; 
First  greets  the  morning's  ray. 

Reflects  the  splendors  of  the 
Presents  for  all  a  mental  least  : 

And  hails  (lie  source  of  day. 

The  glowing  landscape  meets  my  view, 
Array'd  with  tints  of  every  hue  : 

Romantic  cliff  and  dale. 

Fair  as  when  first  the  knell  of  time. 

Peal'd  forth  with  majesty  sublime  ; 
Or  breath'd  the  fragrant  gale. 

Here  on  tiie  mount  where  none  intrude, 
To  mar  the  joys  of  solitude  : 

The  mind  may  freely  soar. 
To  gaze  on  majesty  supreme, 

Entrauc'd.  enraptured,  with  the  theme; 
Omnipotence  adore. 

Deep  silence  reigns  around  me — save . 

The  song  of  birds,  the  rippling  wave  ; 
Speeds  glittering,  gliding  by. 

The  rill  in  accents  murmur  sweet. 
And  echo  as  it  sounds  repeat  : 

Inspires  felicity. 

Ul\  crown'd  with  snow  its  height  appears, 
Braves  storms  and  tempesls,  ttgCs,  year: 

Oft  clad  in  rich  array. 

Exclusive  ov.-iiM  by  boasting  mane1 

It  stands  confuting  claims  and  clan, 
The  creatures  of  a  dav. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  87 


Long  ere  proud  C.ESAR  on  his  throne, 
Declar'd  the  universe  his  own ; 

Or  CAXI:TE  o'er  the  sea. 

His  sceptre  stretch'd  with  kingly  pride, 

And  bade  the  swelling  waves  subside.; 
The  elements  were  tree. 

The  eattle  on  a  thousand  hills. 

The  voices  of  a  thousand  rills  : 
Each  llower  that  gems  the  sod. 

The  sun  that  paints  the  loi'ty  skies 
And  clouds  that  o'er  the  welkin  tlirs. 

Are  trophies  of  a  God. 

Vain  man,  trail  mortal  of  an  hour, 
Usurps  supremacy  and  power : 

His  fellows  to  subdue. 

God  in  his  image  made  us  all : 

'T\vas  man  created  LEIGE  and  TIIRAL. 
And  first  distinction  drew. 

Clad  in  rich  verdant  robes  of  green, 
Again  these  lofty  heights  are  seen  : 

Again  the  hand,  of  time. 

Displays  bright  promise  hope  and  joy, 

To  lift  the  musing  mind  on  high  : 
To  majesty  sublime. 

Oh  time  thou  mentor,  sentient  earth. 

Thy  silent  language — type  of  birth  ; 
Though  winter's  storms  decay. 

Proclaims  as  emblems,  beauty,  bloom, 
Of  resurrection  from  the  torn)); 

And  everlasting  dav. 


i    88  MISCELLANEOUS    VOKMs. 


Awake,  arise,  each  mental  power, 
Again  embrace  the  leisure  hour ; 

To  meditate  ami  muse. 
And  thou  the  source  of  light  and  love, 

Thou  fount  of  wisdom  high  above, 
Again  thy  joys  diffuse. 

What  types  and  trophies  here  present. 

For  contemplation  and  comment : 
How  chang'd  from  grave  to  gay. 

Proofs  emblematic,  God  is  just, 
Arise  proclaiming  from  the  dust ; 

His  universal  sway. 

When  time's  no  more,  when  fate's  decree. 

Shall  set  the  humble  spirit  free. 
And  banish  every  woe  : 

Equality  and  purest  joy, 
Shall  greet  the  virtuous  on  high, 

Where  living  waters  flow. 

Tho'  pomp  may  rank  o'er  moral  worth. 

And  merit  fail  below  on  earth  : 
In  God  we  may  confide. 

A  source,  a  bliss  that  never  fails, 
A  silent  witness,  cheers,  prevails, 

Where  duty  is  our  guide. 

The  miser  with  his  hoard  of  gold, 
His  mind  is  poor,  his  bosom  cold : 

His  life  is  spent  in  vain. 

His  hopes  are  phantoms,  fears  preside. 

Posterity  shall  soon  decide  ; 
His  Idol  was  his  bane. 


MISCELLANEOUS   1'OEMS.  88 

This  life's  a  journey  at  the-  best, 

We  all  desire  au  equal  rest  ; 
Bey  oud  this  transient  home. 

The  earnest  yearning  of  the  sonl, 
Prompts,  points,  most  ardent  for  the  goal  : 

In  hope  of  bliss  to  come. 

One  God,  the  Sire  and  Lord  of  all, 
Hero  and  Monarch,  Thane  and  Thral  ; 

Where'er  their  place  of  birth. 
Metes  out  his  fiats,  equal,  ]u.  r. 

And  all  commingle  with  the  dust 
CoiiMgn'd  alike  to  earth. 


,  tea^e,  all  railings,  edicts,  awe, 
Since  birth  and  death  by  nature's  law: 

Are  equal  and  the  same, 

The  man  shall  never  taste  of  joy, 

But  sip  the  cup  of  base  alloy  ; 
Who  thwarts  a  worthy  aim. 

Presumptous  and  despotic  man, 

Time,  Meeting  time,  shall  mar  thy  plan  : 

A  still  and  silent  voice. 

Each  honest  upright  heart  inhales, 

Ltenial  justice  pois'd  the  scales: 
The  humble  may  rejoice. 

A    |  LI  i  k  within  our  being  n 
Despots  and  tyranny  disdain    . 

Eternal  as  the  Sire  ! 

Who  in  our  nature  breathed  a    <m]. 

None  may  destroy,  none  may  contiol  ' 
And  bade  the  mind  aspire. 


90  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  light  of  freedom  here  >ve  find. 
Created  with  the  human  mind  ; 

Truth  stands  the  high  behest. 

Wisdom  for  all  her  scroll  uiU'urrd, 

In  types  and  figures  o:er  the  world  ; 
A  monitor  !  the  breast. 

Honor  to  he,  the  chief,  the  sag«, 

Who  brav'cl  the  storm,  the  battles  rage ; 

Undaunted,  fearless,  free. 

His  acts  above  all  earthly  aim, 

Our  benefactor  stood  to  claim  : 
lli.s  cause  !   Humanity. 

Virtue  anil  truth  his  deeds  combine, 
United  hearts  at  victory's  shrine ; 

Each  owii'd  him  as  a  friend. 

Where  freedom's  standard  is  unfurl' d. 

His  name  shall  echo  through  the  world ; 
And  gratitude  ascend. 

Let  canons  peal  o'er  hills  remote, 
The  trumpet  sound  its  shrillest  note  ; 

Each  patriot  a  Jay. 

While  banners  in  proud  triumph  wave, 

To  cheer  the  memory  of  the  brave. 
And  greet  his  natal  day. 

Millions  of  he-arts  responds  as  one. 

To  laud  Columbia's  noble  Son 
And  hail  th'  auspicious  morn ! 

That  Ileav'n  to  save,  to  shield  the  land. 
And  lead  the  brave  heroic  band  : 

A  WASHINGTON  was  born. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  91 

Who  as  a  star,  benignly  bright. 

That  shines  to  cheer  the  shades  of  night : 
Where  sable  glooms  preside. 

When  darkness  did  the  sky  deform. 
Rose  as  a  beacon  in  the  storm. 

A  solaee  and  a  guide. 

Who  reigns  still  in  the  people's  hearts. 

Who  bills  the  thrill  of  freedom  start ; 
All  honor  to  his  name  ! 

Time  as  it  flies  shall  lustre  give. 
His  deeds,  his  history  shall  live  : 

Within  the  niche  of  fame. 

Long  may  her  blessings  be  enjoy'cl, 

His  truth,  experience,  a  guide  : 
Should  dangers  hover  nigh. 

E'er  may  his  precepts  point  the.  way 
And  wisdom  as  the  light  of  day. 

Inspire  us  from  on  high. 

Freemen  united  stand  as  one. 

And  claim  ;'E  Pluribus  Uuum  !" 
Their  motto,  and  their  pride  ! 

He  who  would  lain  this  fabric  mar, 
Ye  fates  pronounce  ANATHEMA  ! 

Who  would  these  bonds  divide  ? 

Fair  independence!   may  thy  ray:. 

With  brilliance  of  the  noon  day  blaze  ; 
Descending  from  above. 

Shed  round  thy  joys,  to  ehcer  Hie  brave. 
And  grant  the  letters  of  the  slave  : 

Dissolve  'midst  light  and  love. 


92  MISCELLANEOUS    1""KM>. 


THE  WOUNDED  SOLDIER. 
Farewell  all !  adieu  forever, 

Comrades  my  career  is  o'er  ; 
From  you  all,  I  now  must  sever. 

Parting  from  you  evermore. 
See  me  fainting,  bleeding,' (flying  ! 

Fellow  soldiers  heed  me  well, 
On  your  noble  hearts  relying  ; 

These  my  passing  words  to  tell. 

Friends  in  weal,  in  woe  and  sorrow. 

How  I  mark  that  starting  tear  ; 
Grieve  no  more,  for  lo,  to-morrow  ! 

Laurels  crown  your  bright  career. 
Tell  my  parents  when  returning. 

To  your  own,  to  your  native  shore  ; 
How  the  thought  my  brain  was  burning, 

They  in  sorrow  would  deplore. 

Tell  my  Sire,  I  well  remember. 

All  his  kindness,  all  his  joy  : 
How  he  oft  in  accents  tender. 

Fondly  blest  his  only  boy. 
Tell  my  mother  how  I  cherish, 

All  her  virtues,  all  her  prayu 
Ere  1  sank  and  there  to  perish, 

Blighted  hopes,  and  anxious  cart.-. 
Fame  it  daxzled  with  its  brightness. 

O'er  my  mind  with  magic  do\v  ; 
Fortune  in  her  fairy  likeness, 

Wooing,  whisper'd.  onward,  Go  ! 

Youth  is  warm,  ambition  chccr'd  me. 
War's  alarms  they  thrill'd  my  ear; 


POEMS. 


Patriotic  zeal  it  stecr'd  me, 

Here  to  serve  my  country  dear. 

Tell  my  sisters,  Heaven  spare  them, 
All  their  sighs  and-  bitter  tears  ; 

Kvery  gentle  blessing  share  them, 
Send  them  long  and  happy  year-:-. 

.Mark  me  well,  I  now  am  telling. 

Still  my  bosom  feels  a  pride  ; 
Lovely  creature,  all  excelling, 

riii'Tining  maid,  my  promis'd  bride! 
Tell  her  when  my  soul  was  leaving. 

Soon  to  seek  another  sphere  ; 
For  her  welfare  deeply  grieving, 

Still  my  love  was  most  sincere. 
May  true  joj-  her  spirit  blessing. 

<  )Vr  her  daily  paths  entwine  ; 
Hope  and  peace,  her  mind  caressing. 

Yield  her  mercies  most  divine. 
Take  this  ring,  the  parting  token. 

Kmblem  of  ne'er  ending  love  ; 
By  grim  death  alone  'twas  broken. 

One  day  may  we  meet  above. 
By  our  vows  and  all  that's  leal, 

Still  this  heart  is  strict  and  true 
To  my  fairest,  bright  ideal, 

Bear  my  last  and  fond  adieu. 

1  1  ark  !  I  hear  a  voice  is  crying, 

1,0  !   I  see  the  city's  fell  ; 
<  >Vr  its  walls  onr  banners  flying, 

Welcome  death,  since  all  is  well. 

Stand  aside,  the  sun  'tis  fading, 


94  MISCELLANEOUS    1'OE.MS. 


Still  my  thoughts,  my  mind  is  clear  ; 
Charming  hues  and  fairest  shading, 

On  the  horizon  appear. 
Splendid  orb  of  brilliant  glory. 

Lend  thy  rays  to  cheer  the  bruvc  : 
O'er  these  plains  now  fam'd  in  story, 

Beam  upon  the  soldier's  grave. 


EPITAPH. 

In  silence  obscure,  hosts  of  soldiers  are  sleeping. 
Fur,  far  from  all  kindred,  these  heroes  are  laid  ; 

No  stone  marks  the  spot,  nor  no  willow  is  weeping. 
Inviting  affection  to  pause  at  its  shade. 

Ye  sons  of  affluence,  whom  fortune  caress-*. 

Oli  !  list  to  the  widow  and  orphan's  appeal ; 
Encourage  their  efforts,  relieve  their  distresses. 

And  heaven  will  hallow  the  treasures  you  deal. 

Urge  on  the  aspiring,  the  patriot  falling, 
Has  shielded  the  nation,  its  kindness  is  due  ; 

A  voice  from  each  grave,  to  your  honor  is  calling. 
Remember  our  loved  ones,  we  perished  for  you. 


LEfES  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  YOUNG  LADY. 
She  faded  as  an  early  rose. 

The  spirit  did  depart : 
The  cherish Yl  form  in  deep  repose 

Is  laid,  the  constant  heart 
Beats  not.  again,  those  brilliant  eyes 

Are  closed,  the  lips  arc  pale. 


AUsrKM.ANEOl/S     1'OK.MS.  {>') 


She  bade  adieu  to  earthly  joys — 
Lite's  brittle  thread,  how  frail. 

She  faded  in  lite's  early  morn. 

Hope,  gladness,  changed  to  gloom  : 
The  wreath  that  should  the  bride  adorn, 

Must  wither  on  the  tomb. 
The  future  joy,  the  promised  love, 

The  one  so  pure,  so  lair, 
Has  pass'd  from  earth,  feith  points  above, 

To  meet  a  Saviour  there. 


MEMORY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Shade  of  patriotic  glory. 

Helir  of  the  noble  dead  : 
First  in  honor,  fam'd  in  story, 

Chief  who  freedom's  host  has  led. 
O'er  thy  tomb,  through  time  forever, 

May  greeii  laurels  e'er  entwine ; 
He  who  would  the  nation  sever. 

First  should  gaze  upon  thy  shrine. 

Often  shall  the  stranger's  blessing, 

O'er  thy  hallow'd  memory  fall ; 
Exiles  from  eaeh  shore  expressing 

Thanks  to  him  who  weleom'd  all. 
Hearts  to  tliee  with  true?  devotion. 

Oft  with  feelings  most  sincere  ; 
While  they  praise  thee  with  emotion, 

To  thy  virtues  drop  n  tear. 

Model  of  self  denial. 

Soldier  of  the  fairest  fame ; 


90  MISCELLANEOUS    P<>! 

Prov'd  oft  in  a  ii'ry  trial, 
Hero  of  a  deathless  name. 

Ages  shall  thy  valor  cherish. 

Time  shall  point  all  hearts  to  thee  : 

Deeds  like  thine  can  never  pt-n  ii 
Champion  of  Liberty. 

Oft  perchance  thy  noble  spirit, 

Fondly  views  thy  native  race  : 
May  they  ever  all  inherit, 

All  thy  genius,  all  thy  grace. 
While  the  ocean  rolls  its  waters, 

All  thy  triumphs  shall  adore  : 
Fair  Columbia's  sons  and  daughters. 

Praise  their  chieftain  evermore. 


WILLIAM  PENN— FPtlEND  OF  LIBERTY. 

ACKO3TIC. 

W  herever  honor  does  a  temple  rear, 

I  n  triumph  there  his  noble  deeds  are  heard  : 

L  ong  shall  posterity  his  name  revere, 

L  ove,  truth  and  justice  own  the  signal  word. 

I  11  joy  his  mandates  were  b}'  all  obey'd, 

A  lone  his  treaties  were  preserved  unbrol  i 

M  ercy  and  virtue  in  his  cause  arrayed, 

P  eace  beanTd  where  e'er  his  honest  wi^h  wa<  spoke. 
E  ach  heart  elated  at  the  name  of  Penn. 
N  or  over  plighted  faith  again  despair 
N  oblest  of  heroes — monument  to  men. 

F  rom  as  one  voice,  Old  Kej-stone  loud  declares. 
R  espected,  honor'd.  red  men  own'd  him  sire, 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.  97 


I  ndigcnce  cheerfully  its  tribute  paid  ; 
E  'en  envy  shrank  unwilling  to  conspire, 
'N  eatli  freedom's  fabric  he  so  nobly  laid. 
1)  rath  elaim'd  his  spirit,  unto  him  he  bow'd. 

0  'er  him  a  nation  dropt  a  silent  tear  ; 
F  riend  of  humanity  who  thus  emlow'd, 

L  iff,  pence  and  liberty,  where  all  was  drear. 

1  n  history's  annals  long  his  name  sliall  dwell 
B  less'd,  lov'd  and  honor'd  over  all  the  earth 
K  steem'd  and  eherish'd  it  shall  proudly  tell, 
U  emolesl  a  ices  of  departed  worth. 

T  he  name  of  despots  be  a  by -word,  when 
Y  outh.  a-^e  and  honor,  laud  the  noble  Penn. 


LINES  ON  THE  LATE   DK.   KANE. 

Green  be  the  laurrls  o:er  his  tomb, 
While  roses  lend  their  sweet  perfume  ; 
And  true  affection  cheer  the  irloom. 

Of  they  who  mourn. 
The  hero  fallen  in  his  bloom, 

To  ne'er  return. 

Who  sought  the  noble  true  and  brave, 
Undaunted  o'er  the  stormy  wave  : 
A  long  lost  mariner  to  save, 

With  anxious  zest. 
Return'd  alas  !   to  find  the  rrrnvc 

His  final  rest. 

Exalted  may  his  spirit  rise, 
In  triumph  to  its  native  skies  ; 
VSji 


98  MISCEl.I.AXEOrS     1-OEM3. 


To  seek  the  bliss  that  time  delies. 

As  grief  or  pain. 
And  there  to  reign  'midst  endless  joys. 

Immortal  Kane ! 

Who  as  the  eagle  in  his  flight. 
That,  soars  above  each  giddy  height  : 
To  seareh  the  deep  abyss  of  light. 

Nor  thought  of  frar. 
In  joy  he  views  with  raptur'd  sight, 

The  a?.ure  sphere. 

Whose  mind  elate  in  fancy's  eye. 
Beheld  hope's  rainbow  in  the  sky  ; 
And  struggling  on  with  late  to  vie, 

He  sought  the  shore 
Where  Arctic's  crystal  glaciers  lie, 

In  quest  of  lore. 

The  goal  attain'd,  the  conquest  done. 

Columbia  laments  her  sou  ; 

The  tomb  must  wear  the  wreath  he  woo. 

The  silent  plain. 
Contain  his  corpse,  his  race  is  run. 

Adieu  to  Kant- ! 

In  words  of  light,  on  history's  page, 
His  name  shall  stand  from  age  to  age; 
As  hero,  mariner  and  sage, 

Assurance  gives. 
The  nation's  sorrow  to  assuage, 

He  ever  lives. 


MISCEU-ANKOCS    I'OKM.-.  99 

A  DREAM. 

Twas  eve  and  the  sun  had  gone  down  in  the  west. 

All  nature  was  still  and  all  mortals  at  rest  : 
When  labor  was  ended,  so  quickly  I  came. 

To  the  arms  of  old  Morpheus  and  fell  in  a  dream. 

A  vision  appear'd,  'twas  a  youth  and  a  sage. 

His  head  it  was  white  and  was  hoary  wiili  age  ; 
While  the  youth  he  did  sigh,  nor  from  tears  could  refrain, 

In  anguish  and  sorrow,  he  thus  did  complain. 

Thus  far  I  have  striven,  bereft  of  success. 

My  learning  is  little  and  deep  niy  distress  : 
My  hopes  are  all  blighted,  my  mind  full  of  care. 

My  heart  it  is  sighing  in  utter  despair. 

I  cannot  read  latin,  or  understand  greek, 
Or  any  such  languages,  learned  men  speak  ; 

My  mind,  it  for  fame  and  wealth  does  incline. 
Still  both  are  forbidden  to  ever  be  mine. 

'Twas  thus  he  did  uuirmcr  and  then  spoke  the  sage, 
Young  man  if  you'll  listen,  I'll  read  you  a  page  ; 

From  a  book  that  is  open  to  all  sorts  of  men, 
'Tis  the  volume  of  nature,  the  era,  the  end. 

I  know  it  will  lead  you  to  knowledge  and  truth. 
And  now  is  the  season,  the  days  of  your  youth  ; 

So  cease  for  to  sorrow  in  trouble  and  care. 
Rise !  trust  your  Creator  and  never  despair. 

If  learning  you've  little,  'tis  here  there  is  lore. 

If  wealth  you  arc  wishing,  'tis  here  there  is  more  ; 
The  knowledge  of  God  is  the  brightest  of  all, 

In  sorrow  and  trouble  your  mind  cannot  fall. 


100  MISCELLANEOUS    POKMS. 

He  is  lord  of  the  sea,  he  is  lord  of  the  land, 

He  is  lord  of  creation,  his  works  they  are  grand  : 

"He  feeds  the  young  ravens,"  he  cares  for  us  all. 
And  without  his  knowledge,  "a  sparrow  can't  fall 

Oil !   trust  to  his  goodness,  what  have  you  to  dread, 
For  know  that  he's  numbered  each  hair  of  your  head 

He  knows  all  our  wishes,  in  manner  and  form, 
He  dwells  on  the  waters,  he  reigns  in  the  storm 

Each  plant  and  each  flower,  declare  him  supreme. 

Each  grove  and  each  bower,  they  show  u«  the  win- 
He  hushes  the  tempest  to  cease  and  be  still, 

His  power  it  is  equal,  alone  to  his  will. 

There  was  once  an  hero,  who  came  to  this  shrine, 
His  wealth  was  but  little,  his  wish  was  divine: 

With  the  wings  of  the  morning,  he  oft  did  arise, 
He  struggled  with  science,  his  theme  was  the  skic- 

II e  watch'd  o'er  the  storm,  while  the  thunders  did  peal, 
He  found  that  the  lightning's  electrified  steel  : 

To  the  lovers  of  wisdom,  its  scroll  he  unfurl'd. 
His  deeds  did  instruct  ami  astonish  the  world. 

His  name  you  all  know,  and  with  pleasure  I  tell, 
That  pride  and  proscription  in  him  did  not  dwell  : 

Plain  truth  was  his  motto,  devoid  of  pretence, 
The  world  it  admir'd  him  for  good  common  sense. 

His  merit  all  saw,  and  his  knowledge  of  things, 
Pronounced  him  a  master!  He  stood  before  Kin "•- 

His  wish  for  fair  freedom,  o'er  all  did  preside, 
This  friend  of  humanity  lives,  though  he  died. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS 


Not  so,  when  the  uiilliouarc  comes  to  the  sod, 
He's  tfoju:  ay i.l  forgotten,  for  gold  \vqs  his  God  ' 

'Tis  Wf'llthat  for  man,  there  is  one  coinmon  end, 
It  makes  all  feel  equal,  all  have  to  depend. 

1-,'iirwcll!   May  God  speed  you,  go  on  my  young  friend, 
Let  truth  be  your  motto,  trust  God  to  the  end  : 

Whil.-t  virtue  ;md  honor,  may  guide  you  through  turn, 
To  the  mansions  of  bliss,  may  your  spirit  consign. 


HENRY    CLAY. 

While  genius  in  his  eye  shone  bright. 

His  form  was  drawn  to  stately  height ; 
His  voice  with  courage  did  inspire, 

His  eloquence  was  nature's  fire, 
lie  frown'd,  it  seem'd  each  mind  to  ,  i.ut. 

He  smil'd,  'twas  sunshine  to  the  heart  . 
lie  hoped,  their  eestacy  arose, 

lie  doubted,  it  gave  place  to  \vot, , 
lie  held  the  future  up  to  view. 

lie  scenes  of  old,  created  ueu  . 
He  eharmVl  the  mind  with  magic  .pell. 

His  conquests  time  shall  proudly  Ml, 
To  history's  page  his  name's  consign'd  ; 

The  hero  of  a  noble  mind. 


On  my  pillow  as  reclining, 
In  slumbers  sweet  consigmii:' 

My  spirit  it  was  joining, 
With  a  bright  angelic  l;i\ 


102  MISCKI. I.. \\Kori-    POEMS. 


In  rapture  it  was  burning. 

'Midst  celestial  joys  sojourning  : 
This  tcrrestial  temple  spurning. 

For  tlu-  realms  of  endless  day. 

On  the  wings  of  fancy  soaring. 

Tlie  deep  abyss  exploring  : 
Where  Ihe  seraphs  \vcre  adorinu. 

My  thought  it  omvard  sped. 
Such  scenes  they  met  my  vision. 

Such  harmony,  precision  ; 
Former  pleasures  secm'd  derision. 

Kv'ry  wish  of  earth  had  lied. 

'Midst  scenes  of  light  and  dory. 

I  beheld  an  allegory  : 
As  they  chanted  of  its  story, 

Where  no  sorrow  it  could  come. 
Saints  in  countless  legions  bending, 

Dcck'd  with  palms  their  joys  were  blending  : 
While  their  voices  were  ascending, 

Unto  Heaven's  lolly  dome. 

Far  surpassing  earth's  best  pleasures, 
Were  their  blissful  tuneful  measures ; 

From  their  pure  eternal  treasures, 
They  did  thus  their  homage  pay. 

The  moon  and  planets  joining. 
In  the  ether  vault  were  shining  : 

The  sun  its  light  divining. 
'      Lent  to  distant  worlds  its  ray. 

As  ama/.'d.  I  kept  advancing. 
Its  bliss  my  mind  entrancing: 


MISCELLANEOUS    I'oEMs. 


.My  eye  in  wonder  glancing. 

Such  grandeur  to  perceive. 
The  streams  were  purest  crystal. 

More  lair  than  aught  terrcstial : 
The  glories  so  celestial, 

No  mortal  could  conceive. 

Wrciilh.s  of  amaranths  were  blooming-, 

The  boundless  realms  perfuming  : 
While  brilliance  was  illuming. 

The  bright  refulgent  plain. 
Enamonr'd  with  discerning, 

My  soul  in  rapture  burning  r 
With  ardent  wishes  yearning. 

Lost  paradise  to  gain. 

A  form  of  light  appearing 

Its  voice  my  spirit  cheering; 
Astounded  and  revering. 

I  drew  enraptured  nigh. 
So  fain  so  earnest  pro- in 

So  anxious  for  possessing  : 
An  everlasting  blessing, 

It  graciou*  did  reply. 

Beginning  it  was  never. 

Xo  cud  our  joy?  shall  sever  ; 
Unfading  and  forever. 

Immortal  and  sublime. 
Our  blisses  are  eternal. 

This  source  supreme,  supernal ; 
Dispenses  joys  diurnal. 

On  the  Meeting  spheres  of  time. 

Accumulated  treasure. 


MI.-t  KM  ANhor.-*    !' 


Oft  mars  the  choicest  treasure  ; 
Yields  evils  beyond  measure, 

To  Hatter  and  decoy. 
The  zenith  of  ambition. 

To  all,  anil  each  condition  ; 
Presents  a  false  position, 

To  dazzle  aud  destro. 


Where  fortune's  favor 

Oft  vanity  adviiiiccs  ; 
Humanity  entrances, 

In  selfishness  and  pride. 
Forgetting  all  is  tickle, 

Till  death's  relentless  sickle  . 
As  sunbeams  the  icicle, 

<  »'  splendor  quick  deride. 

\V  ho  has  an  humble  spirit, 

Who.se  riches  are  true  merit  . 
These  mansions  shall  inherit, 

Where  love  and  mercy  sway, 
i'ure  virtue  unassuming, 

Shall  rcigtvibr  ever  hlo«imi'' 
Where  brilliance  is  illumin;\ 

'Midst  never  ending  days. 

Though  thy  robes  were  sacerdotal. 

Still  forbidden  are  these  pml;il 
While  united  to  a  mortal. 

Ere  the  vital  spark  is  tied. 
Hehold  this  revelation  ! 

(.}o  !   in  dtity  till  thy  station  ; 
"First  join  the  sleeping  nation... 

In  the  cities  of  the  dead." 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  105 

Down  on  the  azure  gazing, 

The  planets  faint  were  blazing  ; 
The  sun  in  grandeur  raising, 

Kesplendently  and  clear. 
On  the  wings  of  morn  descending, 

With  this  earthly  temple  blending ; 
Thus  this  brilliant  vision  ending, 

I  sought  this  fleeting  sphere. 


-LINES  ON  AN  UNKNOWN  STATUE. 

A  sculptor's  labor  here  displays, 

The  hero  in  a  statue  ! 
(Who  liv'd  'midst  lame  in  other  days) 

To  emulate,  or  flatter? 

Its  form  is  lythe,  its  features  rare, 
A  glance  may  'scape  detection ; 

Its  sylph  like  symmetry  compares, 
With  ideal's  perfection. 

Its  classic  shape  may  well  surprise, 

Its  model  charm  a  stoic ; 
Its  silent  form  with  beauty  vies, 

In  attitude  heroic. 

Some  chieftan  of  a  gallant  race, 
Long  since  life's  stage  departed  : 

Whose  merits  claim  a  lasting  place, 
Whose  deeds  were  noble  hearted. 

Or  gold  perchance  this  statue  rear'd, 
To  mark  where  pomp  resided  ; 

Whose  word  was  once  obey'd  and  fear'd, 
Whose  acts  ambition  guided. 

G 


106  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 


Its  lips  are  mute,Jts  vision  scal'd, 

Vain  thought !  shall  statues  e'er  aspire  ? 

No  light  through  august  pomp's  reveal'd, 
Its  splendor  lacks  the  saered  fire. 

While  God  like  forms  who  "breathe  and  burn," 

With  nature's  fire  reflected  ; 
Shall  pass  no  statue  tombs  or  urn. 

E'er  rise  for  them  erected. 

A  statue  still  shall  stay  behind, 

Posterity  shall  cherish ; 
The  standard  of  a  noble  mind, 

Shall  live  when  statues  perish. 


LINES  WRITTEN  AFTER  A  WALK. 

IMPROMPTU. 

As  through  fragrant  .dells  I  wander, 

O'er  my  mind  such  raptures  steal ; 
Whilst  I  glance  around  and  ponder, 

Each  fresh  beauty  to  reveal. 
All  the  harmonies  of  nature, 

Meet  my  gaze,  where'er  I  stray  : 
Ever  in  the  humblest  creature, 

Wisdom  reigns  in  rich  array. 

As  I  view  the  lofty  mountains, 

Summits  peering  next  the  skies : 
Or  the  vale,  whose  crystal  fountains, 

Soothing  streams  for  all  supplies. 
Love  is  there  with  ample  pleasures, 

Every  floweret  grace  displays  ; 
Fields  abound  with  countless  treasures, 

Smiling  in  the  sunny  rays. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  107 

Man  the  Lord  of  all  creation ! 

Only  murmuring  seems  to  sigh  ; 
E'er  ungrateful  in  his  station, 

Sordid  aims  his  bliss  destroy. 
Riches  sear  the  hearts  of  many, 

Envy  makes  its  thousands  mourn  ; 
Glad  I  spend  an  hour  from  any, 

Nature's  glories  to  discern. 

All  around  is  brightly  beaming, 

What  with  nature  can  compare  : 
Cheering,  budding,  blooming,  teeming. 

Mercy  reigns  forever  there. 
Like  the  leaf  in  autumn  searing, 

Man  shall  wither,  droop  and  fade  ; 
Each  in  turn  still  disappearing, 

Lowly  in  the  earth  are  laid. 

As  in  spring  again  returning, 

Buds  and  promise  greet  the  eye ; 
Shall  the  spark  within  us  burning, 

Rise  again  to  never  die. 
Faith  elates  us  with  its  mercies, 

Truth  shall  cheer  through  death's  dark  pale ; 
Doubting,  fearing,  peace  disperses, 

Trust  in  God  to  lift  the  veil. 


TO  WISDOM. 

Choicest  gift^of  all  below. 

Rarest  gem  beneath  the  skies  ; 
Lend  thy  rays,  awake  thy  glow, 

Bid  thy  sacred  flame  arise. 


108  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Brightest  stores  of  noblest  truth, 
To  my  aid  I  lain  would  call ; 

Inspiration  warm  as  youth, 
To  thy  lays,  I'd  bring  them  all. 

Had  I  skill  with  thee  to  soar, 
Then  I'd  paint  in  fancy's  form  ; 

Fleeting  time  and  mercy's  shore, 
Cataract,  and  thunder  storm. 

Far  above  to  realms  of  light, 
Where  I  see  the  azure  blue ; 

To  the  regions  of  the  night, 

There  its  wondrous  scenes  to  view. 

All  the  mercies  I  behold, 

Beauties  of  the  stars  and  sun  ; 

Boons  and  blessings  far  untold, 
Ere  this  mortal  race  is  run. 

Then  its  spark  I'd  fain  resign, 
When  this  earthly  path  is  trod  : 

To  its  source  supreme,  divine, 
With  the  ever  living  God. 


ON  A  BOOK. 
Rays  of  light,  and  mercy  beaming, 

Thoughts  that  charm,  and  words  that  cheer  : 
Merit,  grace  and  virtue  gleaming, 

Make  thy  pages  ever  dear. 

Lovely  views  of  art  reposing, 

Gems  of  ocean,  sunny  skies  ; 
Holy  love  and  peace  disclosing. 
i  of  science,  living  joys. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  .109 

Soothing  strains  of  mercy  tender. 

Brightest  laurels,  scenes  of  yore ; 
Honors  scribe,  and  faith's  defender, 

Freedom's  guardian,  rock  of  lore. 

Flowers  of  earth,  and  type  of  gladness, 

Sages  triumph,  guide  of  youth  ; 
Balm  of  life,  dispersing  sadness, 

Die  to  stamp  the  mind  with  truth. 

History  of  men  and  nations, 

Knowledge  to  instruct,  refine  ; 
Noblest,  rarest,  choice,  quotations, 

Abilities  from  wisdom's  shrine. 

Silent  monitors  revealing, 

Deeds  of  valor,  joys  divine ; 
Inspiration's  brightest  feeling, 

Live  and  through  all  ages  shine. 


ON  A  BUTTERFLY. 
Little  rover  blythe  as  May, 

Sporting  in  the  summer's  ray  ; 
Light  as  mirth,  and  free  as  air, 

Tasting  pleasures,  shunning  care. 

Hues  more  fair  than  silken  dye, 
Paint  thy  wings,  gay  butterfly  ; 

Dreary  storms  to  thee  unknown, 
Dwelling  'ncath  the  sunny  /one. 

Ephemereal  of  an  hour, 

Flitting  on  from  flow'r  to  flow'r ; 


110  MISCELT-ANEOFS    POKMS. 


Where  the  gentle^zephyrs  blow, 
Ever  passing  to  and  fro. 

Happy  roam  in  cupid's  bow'rs. 

Rock'd  in  roses!  pass  thy  hours  ; 
Sweetest  odors  scent  thy  throm-. 

Fairy  of  the  sunny  /one. 

When  the  wintry  winds  they  blo\v, 
Nature  shields  thee  from  the  snow  : 

Close  entranced  in  silent  bliss, 
Slumbering  in^a  chrysalis. 


ON  THE  CLOUDS. 
Fairy  visions  ever  fleeting, 

Passing  onfrom  clime  to  clime  : 
While  the  sun's  reflection  greeting. 

Decks  their  forms  with^hues  sublime. 
Flying,  floating,  ranging,  low'ring. 

Skimming  o'er  the  azure  blue ; 
Proud,  majestic,  wand'ring,  tow'ring, 

Ever  moving,  always  new. 
Now  it  seems  the  cliffs  embracing, 

Soon  its  fleecy  vapors  rise ; 
Sporting  through  the  air  and  tracing, 

Radiant  beauty  in  the  skies. 
Oft  the  storm  its  mass  disperses, 

Then  at  times  the  wind  and  rain  ; 
Suddenly  its  course  reverses, 

While  their  waters  drench  the  plain 
Many  similies  it  teaches, 

As  the  lofty  vault  it  flics  ; 
Such  uncertain  storms  and  breaches, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  Ill 

111  life's  journey  ever  rise. 
Fortune  smiles  or  fate  confounds  us, 

Glee  or  woe  our  mind  enshrouds  ; 
Fickle  joys  or  griefs  surround  us, 

Life's  as  changing  as  the  clouds. 


LOVE  NOT. 
Love  not !  ah  no — 'tis  ever  vain, 

TUG  captious  frail  pretender  ; 
Whose  smile  is  transient,  but  to  gain. 

Whose  glance  an  INNUENDO. 
Adore  alone  the  artless  maid. 

Whom  nature  decks  with  beauty ; 
In  truth  and  innocence  array'd, 

Who  heeds  the  voice  of  duty. 

Love  not !  ah  no — the  sparkling  bowl, 

Though  friendly  hands  present  it  ; 
Hut  misery  awaits  its  goal, 

Avoid  it — or,  resent  it. 
Fair  temperance  surpasses  all. 

Enjoyment — not  abusing  ; 
Ere  habit  does  the  mind  enthral, 

Avoid  forever  using. 

Love  not !  ah  no — the  unsought  smile. 

Beneath  may  lurk  extortion  ; 
A  seemly  garb  oft  covers  guile, 

While  reason  whispers,  caution. 
Alone  'tis  actions  make  the  man, 

A  lack  hi  them  ignore  him  ; 
Whoever  does  the  best  he  can, 

And  fails — such  have  before  him. 


112  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Love  not !  ah  no-  -the  empty  boast, 

Of  fortune's  gilded  minions ; 
Each  Imply  landed  on  a  coast. 

We  vary  as  opinions. 
Whose  born  a  beggar  or  a  king, 

Depends  at  most  on  chances, 
Slight  not  a  MAN,  to  serve  a  TIUXG. 

Upheld  by  circumstances. 

Love  not !  ah  no — the  vulgar  wit. 

Whoever  may  adore  him  ; 
Upon  that  rock  such  crafts  have  split. 

And  suffer'd  wreck  before  him. 
Morality  in  humble  guise, 

Unhonored,  undefended  ; 
Holds  in  the  breast  a  living  pri/c, 

A  conscience  self  commended. 

Love  not !  ah  no— rforever  shun, 

The  haunts  of  vice  and  folly  ; 
Self  conquest !    noblest  victory  won, 

Disperses  melancholy. 
Virtue  alone  can  make  us  I'm-, 

Wisdom's  a  star  ascendant  ; 
Who  honors  God  and  liberty. 

Alone  is  independent. 


ON   LIFE. 
Some  talk  of  this  journey  of  life, 

As  one  of  perpetual  trouble ; 
Where  all  with  contention  are  rife, 

And  friendship  it  ends  in  a  bubble. 
Where  women  do  nothing  but  scold. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMP.  113 

Each  sister  unkind  to  their  brother  ; 
The  boys  they  are  saucy  and  bold, 
And  men  live  by  Cheating  eacli  other. 

We  vainly  the  origin  trace, 

Of  man  first  commencing  to  grumble  ; 
No  matter  \vhat  clime  or  what  place, 

Lo  !  even  the  faithful  they  stumble. 
With  failings  we  seem  to  be  born, 

Sad  mischief  there  seems  to  be  brewing  : 
Each  rose  has  secreted  a  thorn, 

And  fortune  oft  leads  us  to  ruin. 

Impressions  received  when  in  youth. 

Erroneous,  wise,  or  fanatic ; 
We  cherish  them  next  unto  truth, 

Whether  vulgar,  polite  or  erratic. 
Some  men  they  are  budgets  of  fun, 

And  others  of  wrath  and  vexation  ; 
We're  rul'd  in  a  measure  when  done, 

By  dint  of  onr  home  education. 

Contentment  wherever  it  sways, 

Though  home  it  be  ever  so  humble  ; 
The  poorest  with  gratitude  praise, 

While  inmates  of  palaces  grumble. 
We  find  some  philosophers  sad, 

And  pride  it  is  ever  deceiving ; 
While  those  unassuming  are  glad, 

Or  the  unfortunate  grieving. 

Let  merit  e'er  lead  you  to  judge, 

Plain  terms  in  the  end  are  true  beauty; 
Fine  promises  often  are  fudge, 


114  MISCELLANEOUS  fcPOEMS. 

Position  excuses  no  duty. 
Let  bigotry  go  to  the  wall, 

Away  with  all  clamour" and  factions; 
True  honor  it  ranks  above  all, 

Just  think  of  a  man  by  his  actions. 


ON  GUILT.  ; 

It  tears  the  light  of  noonday's  sun, 
Avoids  each  glance,  itself  betrays  : 

It  fain  would  silent  darkness  shun, 
And  shrinks  where  truth  and  justice  sways. 

A  monitor  within  the  breast, 

Is  a  witness  there  confin'd ; 
A  guilty  conscience  stands  confess'd. 

While  terror's  drear  alarm  the'mind. 

Dream  not  the  dazzling  halls  of  light, 
Hide  guilt's  foul  stain  or  banish  care ; 

The  ribald  jest  can  ill  requite, 
The  spirit  writhing  in  despair. 

Though  splendor  dazzles  all  is  vain, 
No  robes,  no  rubies  peace  can  bring : 

Deception  adds  a  direr  bane, 

The  wanton's  smile  a  deeper  sting. 

Where  jovial  bacchus  brims  the  glass, 
Where  pleasure's  choirs  so  merry  ring : 

While  cares  'midst  execrations  pass, 
And  time  glides  on  with  rapid  wing. 

The  morrow's  sun  again  shall  rise, 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  115 


The  zephyr  fan  the  silver  wave  : 
While  guilty  souls  but  agonize, 
Disconsolate,  to  vice,  a  slave. 


BEAUTY. 

It  decks  the  azure  vault  on  high, 

It  paints  each  stream  that  murmurs  by  ; 

It  tints  eftch'.little  bud  in  spring, 

And  hovers  where  the  warblers  sing. 

Within  each  brilliant  eye  it  glows, 
Each  sylplx-like  form,  its  charms  disclose 

The  cataract  most  graceful  leaps, 
The  glacier  form'd  in  splendor  sleeps. 

It  glows  in  the  unfathomed  mine, 
It  forms  the  stately  mountain  pine  ; 

It  lights  each  smile  to  chcor  the-  brave, 
Adorns  the  ruby,  crests  the  wave. 

It  beams  transparent  in  the  da}-, 
It  tarries  where  the  moonbeams  play  ; 

It  moulds  the  fairy  form  of  youth, 
And  shines  resplendent  in  the  truth. 

In  trusting  childhood  there  'tis  pure, 

It  does  in  virtue  e'er  endure  ; 
It  in  each  noble  action  dwells, 

It;  elevates,  renowns,  excels. 

It  chains  the  heart  with  magic  ties, 

It  captivates^  and  dignifies ; 
It  reigns  supreme,  around,  above, 

And  glitters  in  the  form  we  love. 


116  MiSOElA/NEOFS    POEMS. 

MERCY. 

Softly  falls  the  gentle  dews, 

O'er  the  earth  its  balm  to  blend  ; 
Life  and  vigor  to  diffuse, 

Heavenly  blessings  down  descend. 
Just  as  welcome  mercy  falls, 

On  the  heart  disconsolate  ; 
Soothing  words  true  rapture  calls, 

Memory  smiles  to  contemplate. 

Mercy  melts  the  stony  heart, 

Cheers  despondence,  chases  fear  : 
.Makes  the  callous'd  bosom  start, 

Claims  its  triumph  in  a  tear. 
Mercy  can  obdurance  move, 

To  the  Inmost  feelings  speak. 
Heavenly  treasure,  sacred  love  ; 

Moves  the  stalwart,  nerves  the  weak 

Gentle  words  and  tender  deeds, 

Cast  a  fragrant  charm  around  ; 
Springing  from  its  precious  seeds. 

Peace  and  choicest  joys  abound. 
Gratitude  with  sunny  smile, 

Grace  and  beauty  there  expand ; 
Angry  feelings  reconcile, 

Earth  becomes  a  fairy  land. 

Mercy  high  enthroned  above, 
Was  a  jewel  in  the  crown  ; 

Omnipotence,  eternal  love, 
Sent  it  as  an  angel  down. 

While  seraphs  cheer,  let  earth  rejoice, 
Let  fallen  man  in  rapture  come  ; 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

117 

And  hail!  this  guest  from  paradiM-, 
A  type  of  the  mellenium. 

DISSIMULATION. 
Dissimulation  !   man's  inveterate  foe, 

E'er  deck'cl  in  guise  its  gilded  shaft  to  throw  ; 
Thou  fiend  of  terror,  though  so  seemly  fair, 

With  wily  words  confiding  hearts  to  snare. 
Go  seek  thy  origin  where  first  ye  spake, 

Dwell  in  the  thicket  with  the  loathsome  snake ; 
Far  from  humanity,  direct  thy  way, 

Who  loves  deception,  fears  the  light  of  day. 

Foe  to  thy  fellows,  to  thyself  still  more. 

To  choose  a  path  all  honor  must  ignore ; 
To  sell  thy  hope  and  every  joy  despise, 

To  live  'midst  hatred  and  to  doat  on  lies. 
Within  thy  heart  that  seat  of  bitter  woe, 

Where  words  of  mercy,  pity,  never  flow  ; 
All  noble  feelings  wither'd  to  decay, 

The  conscience  callous'd  as  a  beast  to  prey. 

Dissimulation,  mask  of  sin  and  woe. 

Insidious,  lurking,  bitter,  fatal,  foe ; 
To  all  on  earth  by  mortals  known  as  just, 

Dissolving  friendship  with  a  breach  of  trust. 
Debasing  morals,  where  thou  can'st  explore. 

External  fair,  but  rotten  at  the  core  ; 
Within  thy  cruel,  evil,  treacherous  eye, 

Ne'er  dwells  the  crystal  drop  of  sympathy. 

Curse  to  society,  to  peace  a  ban, 
Dispersing  union,  degrading  man ; 


118  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


Thy  barbed  arrows  leave  a  bitter  smart, 
And  pierce  revengeful  in  the  trusting  heart. 

Pandora's  box,  compar'd  would  sink  to  nought, 
With  all  the  evils,  by  thy  cunning  wrought ; 

Where  is  thy  hope,  thy  honor,  peace,  or  joy, 
Whose  aims  are  subtle,  to  decieve,  destroy. 


SUSPENSE. 

Frustrated  plans  may  mar  our  joy?. 

Still'hope  will  cheer  us  on  ; 
And  triumph  from  its  source  arise, 

And  every  fear  begone. 
But  dread  suspense  leads  to  remiss, 

Our  energies  they  cease  ; 
It  robs  us  of  life's  quiet  bliss, 

Destroys,  disperses,  peace. 

What  heart^could  cheer  if  thou  art  near, 

To'shroud^the  thoughts  in  gloom  ; 
To  whisper  of  foreboding  fear, 

And  point  to  sable  doom. 
Fell  foe  to  all'the  human  race, 

Grim  terror  dwells  with  thee  ; 
Go  hide  thy  wierd  unwelcome  face, 

Go,  makcjthy  exit,  flee ! 

I  would  not  all  the  wealth  e'er  known. 

Receive  and  own  thee  mate  ; 
Nor  all  the  honors  ever  shown, 

And  live  disconsolate. 
Thou  bane  of  earth,  I  pray  thee  fly, 

Thy  anguish  is  intense ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  119 


Mayt  He  who  rules  our  destiny, 
E'er  shield  us  from  suspense. 


ADDRESS -TO  THE|BLUES. 

Au  antidote  I  fain  would  search, 
And  leave  the  horrors  in  the  lurch  ; 

Nor  longer  cherish  care. 
Unwise  it  is  to  sigh  at  fate, 

Despondence  cannot  compensate  : 
Nor  peace  attend  despair. 

Philosophy,  whatever  thou  art, 

I  pray  thee  now  thy  truth's  impart ; 

To  raise  the  mind  on  high. 

To  know  that  life  is  but,£at  best, 

A  bourne,  a  road,  a  stage,  a  test ; 
Its  path  our  destiny. 

The  world  is  made  of  ups  and  downs, 
Some  born  to  tatters,  some  to  crowns  ; 

Just  as  dame  fortune  wills. 
Some  drive  too  slow,  others*  too  fast, 

We  all  shall  reach  the  goal  at  last ; 
And  nature's  debt  fulfil. 

But  of  the  horrors,  why  complain. 

Since  nothing  ever  is  so  vain  ; 
It  cannot  yield  us  good. 

The  noblest  thoughts,  the  brightest  sense, 
Are  cent'red  in  experience ; 

And  plainest  understood. 

Diplomas  from  the  college  sprint;;, 


120  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

A  square  of  parchment,  precious  tiling ! 
To  please  a  vaunting  Squire. 

Give  me  the  wit  above  all  rul<  •.-, 
I'll  laugh  at  critics,  smile  at  schools  : 

If  genius  tunes  the  lyre. 

.Spring  .soon  will  deck  the  earth  again, 
And  spread  a  carpet  o'er  the  plain  ; 

While  inercy,  truth  and  love, 
Inviting  fancy  to  portray  ;  ' 

Shall  tint  the  skies  in  rich  array  ; 
High  in  the  vault  above. 

Then  in  delight  I'll  gaze  around, 

'Midst  richest  scenes  and  joys  profound  ; 

My  spirit  it  shall  soar, 

On  wings  of  fancy  pierce  the  skies  : 

Unfurl  its  pinions  and  arise  : 
To  majesty  adore. 

Shall  I  ungrateful,  grieve,  repine, 
Or  rush  to  bow  at  mammon's  shrine; 

For  wealth  to  rust  the  soul  ? 

Grant  me  this  wish,  the  gift  to  muse. 

And  in  my  mind  its  joys  infuse  : 
From  wisdom's  Uaining  scroll. 

Vexations,  losses,  crosses,  fears, 

Joys,  hopes  and  sorrows,  fill  our  year:- ; 

Philosophers  are  those, 

Who  choose  life's  fairest  sunny  side, 

And  in  kind  Providence  confide  ; 
Till  death  shall  chase  their  woes. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  121 


ON  A  NEWSPAPER. 

Long  lists  of  cures,  recipes  and  charms, 
Sad  accidents,  and  dire  alarms ; 
Great  feats  of  science,  deeds  of  arms, 

With  each  comment. 
While  rules  that  treat  on  crops  and  farms, 

They  represent. 

Eloquence,  harangues  and  blunders, 
Lectures,  essays,  rhymes  and  wonders ; 
Tempests,  lightning,  rains  and  thunder, 

Are  there  portray'd. 
Hopes  and  parties,  torn  asunder ; 

And  sore  dismay 'd. 

Codes  of  morals,  clans  and  factions, 
Wrecks  and  ruins,  choice  extractions ; 
Noble  men,  heroic  actions. 

And  woman's  rights. 
Bright  achievements,  sad  transactions, 

And  fond  delights. 

Births  and  deaths,  all  fresh  inventions, 
Late  elopements  and  dissentions ; 
Marriages,  and  such  intentions, 

With  deeds  of  fame. 
Markets,  stocks  and  bank  suspensions, 

Your  notice  claim. 

Railroad  projects,  sites  for  cities, 
Resolutions  of  Committees ; 
Exhibitions,  glees  and  ditties, 

Attention  call. 
Anecdotes  that's  bright  and  witty, 

With  news  for  all. 


122  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Pleasure  parties  and  excursions, 
Fashions,  follies  and  diversions ; 
Large  revivals  and  immersions, 

With  notes  on  change. 
Liberty,  versus  coercion, 

And  logic  strange. 

Telegrams  from  every  quarter, 
Electric  wires  beneath  the  water  ; 
Bless  me  how  the  times  they  alter. 

Strange  communion. 
May  truth  and  progress  never  falter, 

Through  the  union. 


PROGRESSION. 
I  fain  would  seek  thy  gentle  fair  retreat, 

And  in  thy  bowers  take  an  humble  seat  ; 
Where  endless  raptures  never  ceasing  flow. 

Nor  angry  passions  in  the  bosom  glow. 
Where  terror,  woe,  and  every  danger  cease, 

And  chaplets  blooming,  wreath  thy  halls  in  peace. 

Where  truth  is  cent'recl  on  a  lasting  throne, 
And  true  contentment  is  forever  known ; 

Where  joys  unspeakable,  e'er  greet  the  sight, 
And  plains  elysian  weary  souls  invite ; 

Where  all  in  truth  and  duty  acquiesce, 
And  love  and  mere}'  crown  the  earth  with  peace. 

Reflection  answere'd  know  thy  wisli  is  vain, 
No  clime  or  station  dors  such  boons  contain ; 

Such  thoughts  are  visions  and  from  fancy  How, 
All  is  ideal  in  this  world  belowr. 

What  as  a  fact,  is  by  one  age  onjoy'd, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


Is  by  another  jeering  set  aside. 

Tliis  age-,  progression  stalks  with  rapid  sway, 
Inventions,  bubbles,  premature  decay  : 

Around  are  scatter'd  in  tho  path  we  tread, 
Too  well  may  sages  for  the  future  dread. 

Cilice  wild  caprices  bids  experience  yield. 
Age  stands  aghast  and  reason  quits  the  field. 

Time  was.  when  labor  elevated  stood, 
And  compensation  yielded  as  it  should; 

While  plcbian  hands  might  independence  claim. 
And  honest  labor  weave  a  wreath  of  fame. 

Ere  all  its  hopes  and  true  nobility. 
Were  vainly  eent'rcd  in  a  patentee. 

Old  fogy  maxims,  once  in  days  of  yore. 

Blest  all  with  plenty,  commerce,  food  and.  store 
Ere  gegaw  baubles  in  the  world  were  seen, 

And  paeans  lauded  each  new  styl'd  machine. 
KxtollM  industry's  foe  with  feelings  warm. 

For  crushing  labor  with  a  grand  reform. 

Progression  surely  !   still  where  does  it  tend — 
Go  ask  the  widow '.   is  it  foe  or  friend  ''. 

The  needle's  pittance,  though  it  were  but  small. 
It  was  her  fortune,  when  the  sire  did  fall ; 

To  limbs  of  steel,  her  last  resource  award. 
While  orphans  hunger,  let  the  world  applaud. 

(}o  ask  the  artisan  vvhate'er  his  trade, 
Has  labor  saving  an  improvement  made '. 

Where  humble  labor  is  the  sole  estate, 
Does  o'er  production  ever  compensate  '. 

Can  human  muscles  ever  wildly  dream. 

To  press  I  lie  contest  and  compete  with  steam  > 


124  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Years  vainly  spent  his  trade  is  set  aside, 
No  longer  needed  he  is  nnemploy'd ; 

Monopoly  and  modern  manners  rule, 
Invention  triumphs  and  the  useless  tool ! 

May  seek  his  labor  from  another  source, 
'Tis  but  progression  in  its  steady  course. 

In  vain  can  elouqence  conceal  the  sting, 
Or  shield  his  ruin  'neath  her  flow'ry  wing ; 

His  daily  substance  sprung  from  honest  toil, 
Refreshing  slumber  did  his  nights  beguile. 

His  children  cheer'd  him  and  his  home  was  bright, 
High  Heaven's  mandate  did  his  amis  requite. 

Where  is  true  merit — look  the  workVaround  ? 

Where  are  its  traces,  where  its  dwelling  found  '( 
The  high  emoluments  that  fame  displays, 

Bow  down  to  fortune  and  ambition  sways  : 
The  bar,  the  camp,  the  legislative  halls, 

Ope  wide  their  portals  at  its  stately  call. 

While  sunder'd  union  disperses  Avide, 
To  hail !  the"  milliouare  and  pamper  pride : 

The  humble  slighted,  honor  deem'd  unwise, 
The  unassuming  doom'd  to  never  rise. 

Is  this  progression,  I  the  quest  renew  ? 
To  crush  the  masses,  and  exalt  the  few  ? 

Where  is  progression,  is  it  hore  below? 

Reflection  answcr'd — it  is  even  so  ; 
It  dwells  with  wisdom  in  her  spacious  halls, 

Its  access  equal  and  alike  to  all. 
'Tis  true  progression,  be  it  understood, 

To  labor  earnest  for  the  common  good. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  125 

\Vhile  pomp  is  flatter'd,  and  where  might  it  sways, 
The  unassuming,  the}'  can  smile  and  gaze  ; 

This  is  the  refuge,  merit  still  may  find, 
A  conscious  dignity — a  fearless  mind. 

Approving  memory — an  inward  joy, 
A  hope — a  treasure,  beams  in  destiny. 


LABOR. 
The  greatest  heroes  of  the  day, 

May  each  their  brilliant  deeds  display  ; 
And  humble  labor  still  can  claim, 

The  noblest  on  the  lists  of  fame. 

From  all  presumption  it  is  free, 

'Tis  farn'd  on  land,  renown'd  on  sea  ; 
It  ever  is  a  nation's  wealth, 

It  nerves  its  sons  with  vigorous  health. 
Who,  ever  prompt  at  duty's  call, 

As  patriots  to  stand  or  fall ; 
They  dignify  each  spot  on  earth, 

With  competence  and  real  worth. 
God  bless  the  land  and  "speed  the  plough  !' 

So  much  essential  all  allow  ; 
To  till  the  soil  and  grace  the  plain, 

In  harvest  time  with  golden  grain. 
It  has  long  since  been  truly  said, 

Man  should  by  labor  earn  his  bread ; 
And  that  the  sweat  upon  the  brow, 

Should  all  with  daily  food  endow. 
It  was  the  great  Creator's  plan, 

It  is  a  noble  trait  in  man ; 
To  yield  content  and  gentle  rest, 

For  those  who  pay  this  h!gh  behest. 


12(>  MISCELLANUOl'K    VOEMS. 


To  witness  labor's  great  reward, 

Go  view  the  fields  whose  crops  a  fiord  ; 
Sufficient  proof  how  nature  deigns. 

Its  ample  stores  where  labor  r< : 
The  earth  it  yields  its  golden  prize. 

While  from  a  thousand  voices  rise  : 
Their  praise  and  gratitude  to  tell, 

The  feather'd  warbler's  notes  they  s\\  el! 
The  clustered  vines  so  graceful  bend, 

And  all  around  their  beauty  blend ; 
The  flow'rs  they  shed  a  sweet  perfume. 

The  sun  adds  brilliance  1o  their  bloom 
The  cattle  graze  in  numbers  round. 

While  other  blessings  they  abound ; 
All  nature  smiles  there  seems  confessed, 

On  every  face  our  labors  blest. 

Next  leave  the  scene,  the  city  seek, 

Its  silent  monuments  they  speak  : 
In  every  sphere  they  there  display, 

The  brightest  genius  of  the  day. 
Toward  the  sky  its  trophies  raise, 

They  meet  the  eye  where'er  we  ga/,e  ; 
Producing  elegance  and  art, 

Throughout  the  throng  and  busy  mart. 

The  sage  who  studies  1<>  refine, 

His  labors  make  his  talent  shine  : 
With  glowing  hope  and  mind  elate. 

In  penury  can  smile  at  fate. 
While  nature's  charms  are  free  to  view, 

They  ever  yield  him  joys  anew  ; 
In  revery  his  time  is  spent, 

Ne'er  endinir  source  of  true  content. 


-MISCELLANEOUS    TOEMS. 


That  pride  or  wealth  can  ne'er  bestow, 

In  marble  halls  in  pompous  show  ; 
Fair  wisdom's  ways  his  path  does  cheer, 

And  points  to  blessings  everywhere. 
His  heart  with  pity  overflows, 

With  feelings  for  a  brother's  woes  ; 
And  while  his  humble  meal  he  shares, 

With  tender  mercy  soothes  his  cares. 

The  artist  makes  a  form  appear, 

Each  lineament  and  feature  there  : 
Reminds  us  of  departed  hope, 

And  next  to  nature's  beauties  cope. 
His  skill  does  most  transparent  shine, 

When  death  his  spirit  does  consign  ; 
His  labors  through  all  time  proclaim, 

A  monument  of  art  and  fame. 

If  foes  should  threaten  to  invade, 

Farn'd  labor's  sous  of  every  grade ; 
Espouse  at  once  the  common  cause, 

For  dignity  and  equal  laws. 
They  are  the  bulwark  of  the  land, 

When  duty  ever  does  command ; 
Regardless  of  a  limb  or  life, 

Press  onward  to  the  deadly  strife. 
Or  when  blest  peace  and  plenty  shine, 

They  each  industrious  combine ; 
To  add  unto  the  nation's  weal, 

They  persevere  with  steady  zeal. 
Inviting  commerce  from  each  shore, 

And  where  the  foaming  billows  roar ; 
Their  ships  that  nobly  stem  the  tide, 

Majestic  o'er  its  bosom  glide. 


128  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

What  noble  trophies  labor  shows  ! 

All  art  and  science  can  disclose  ; 
The  mind  of  man  to  cross  the  waves, 

Its  briny  element  enslaves. 
Or  o'er  the  earth  with  lightning  speed, 

Electric  wires  supply  the  need ; 
And  next  to  thought  unshackled  fly, 

At  once  his  wishes  to  comply. 
The  truest  limner  to  portray, 

At  length  is  found  the  God  of  day  ; 
While  art  has  triumph'd  far  and  wide, 

And  humble  labor  claims  with  pride  ; 
Artesian  wells  shall  springs  disclose, 

"And  deserts  blossom  as  the  rose." 

All  they  who  noble  thoughts  admire, 

Or  would  to  lofty  themes  aspire  ; 
To  catch  their  bright  and  brilliant  flame, 

Must  press  along  with  steady  aim. 
Go  view  the  sluggard's  indolence, 

Behold  its  sorry  recompense  ; 
Confusion  ever  marks  the  spot, 

While  weeds  and  thorns  surround  his  cot. 
His  home,  his  hearth  is  desolate, 

He  well  may  mourn  his  hapless  fate  : 
His  offsprings  arc  in  tatters  clad, 

His  hopes  are  flown,  his  mind  is  sad. 
Ungrateful  thoughts  they  fill  his  breast, 

He  murmurs  at  the  high  behest, 
Complains  of  fortune  and  of  fate : 

His  miseries  to  satiate. 

Then  view  the  cottage  and  its  lands, 
Whose  husbandman  with  willing  hands ; 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  129 

Improves  the  spot  its  joys  increase, 

Its  inmates  dwell  in  Lope  and  peace. 
The  vine  its  amorous  branches  cling, 

The  roses  blooin  each  vernal  spring ; 
While  all  around  abundant  shows, 

The  boons  that  providence  bestows. 
Health  paints  the  cheek  and  cheers  the  breast, 

They  persevere  with  steady  zest ; 
Their  daily  task  they  each  pursue, 

They  grow  in  strength  and  vigor  too. 
The  rural  hills  and  pleasant  vale, 

Breathe  forth  a  soft  and  ardent  tale  ; 
With  glowing  landscapes  fairest  scene, 

And  meadows  deck'd  in  robes  of  green. 

When  summer's  suns  they  shed  their  ray, 

They  revel  in  the  new  mown  hay ; 
While  autumn  well  rewards  his  toil, 

Rich  fruits  abound  and  harvest's  smile. 
The  children  well  such  scenes  enjoy, 

The  parents  watch  with  loving  eye ; 
Each  little  prank  and  budding  grace, 

Developed  in  the  rising  race. 
Too  wise  to  hope  in  tales  of  fate, 

They  trust  in  God  and  cultivate  ; 
That  like  their  garden  here  below, 

Each  may  at  length  their  fruit  bestow. 
To  smooth  the  path  when  age  appears, 

To  calm  each  sorrow,  chase  all  fears  ; 
And  with  each  talent  do  their  best, 

To  gain  an  everlasting  rest. 

The  craggy  rocks  whose  giddy  height, 
At  once  with  wonder  charm  the  sight ; 


130  MISCEI.1.ANKOI '.S    POEMS. 


And  mountain  summits,  lofty  tlu'oues, 

E'en  "sermons  dwell  in  stocks  and  stone?." 
Each  cave's  majestic  tablets  teach, 

The  tide  that  leaves  the  ocean  beach  ; 
The  wonders  of  the  lofty  skies, 

Arise  and  search,  'tis  labor's  prize  ! 
Immortalize  your  humble  name, 

Press  011  and  join  the  ranks  of  lame  ; 
Each  scene  that  opens  to  the  view. 

In  nature's  page-  is  ever  new ; 
Inviting  science  to  explore, 

And  view  its  gems  of  choicest  lore. 


SPRING. 
Ever  gentle,  lovely  Spring, 

Now  the  woods  with  echo  ring ; 
Grace  abounds  on  every  spray. 

Brightly  shines  the  God  of  day. 

Ever  welcome,  genial  Spring, 
Vines  around  the  branches  cling, 

Flow'rs  they  bloom  and  all  is  gay. 
Lambs  they  gambol,  shadows  play. 

Ever  charming,  sunny  Spring. 

Kays  of  light  and  mercy  bring, 
Hope  and  love,  with  thce  abide. 

Verdure  crowns  each  mountain  side. 

Ever  merry,  joyous  Spring, 
Fain  I'd  soar  on  fancy's  wing : 

Sing  thy  lays,  and  ever  dwell, 
Where  thy  beauties  most  excel. 


MISCEI.I.ANEOITS    POEMS.  1:I1 

Ever  brilliant,  social  Spring, 

Cheering  every  living  thing  ; 
Streams  they  murmur  gently  by. 

Tints  of  splendor  paint  the  sky. 

Ever  glowing,  beaming  Spring, 

Birds  they  mate,  they  build  and  sing  : 

Songs  of  joy  and  love  abound, 
Peace  and  promise  dwell  around. 

Ever  happy,  noble  Spring, 

Chasing  winter,  comforting : 
Each  and  all,  with  warmer  rays, 

Nature  blooms  to  give  thcc  praise. 


MAY. 
Lovely  May  of  many  graces, 

Blossoms  meet  at  every  ga/.c  ; 
Nature  smiles  and  pleasant  laces, 

Hail  thy  season,  sound  thy  prai>r. 

Lambs  are  skipping,  birds  are  singing. 

Now  the  sun  with  glorious  ray  ; 
riiriTs  the  earth  while  echo  ringing, 

Gladly  sounds  to  welcome  May. 

Maids  are  blushing,  swains  arc  wooing, 
Childhood  chants  its  merry  lay  ; 

Springs  are  gushing,  doves  are  cooing. 
Hope  and  beauty,  reign  with  May. 

Meadows  rob'd  in  vernal  glory, 
Gentle  breezes  fan  each  spray  : 

Fragrant  valleys  tell  thy  story, 
Moor  and  mountain  smile  at  May. 


132  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

Lilacs  are  in  splendor  blooming, 

Snow-ball  boughs  their  plumes  display 

Sky  blue  violets  unassuming, 

Deck  each  grove  to  dwell  with  May. 

When  its  countless  buds  discloses, 
All  their  tints  and  colors  gay : 

June  shall  shine  with  beds  of  roses, 
Cherish'd  by  the  dews  of  May. 

Ever  charming,  fleeting  treasure, 
When  thy  beauties  all  decay  ; 

Age  and  youth  with  ardent  pleasure. 
Oft  shall  wish  for  lovely  May. 


"GOD  SPEED  THE  PLOUGH." 
The  plough  is  nobler  than  the  crown, 

It  yields  our  daily  store  ; 
A  brighter  trophy  of  renown, 

Than  ever  monarch  wore . 

Great  civilizer  of  the  world, 
That  does  such  joys  endow  ; 

On  honors  scroll  where'er  unfurl'd, 
Inscribe,  "God  speed  the  plough." 

The  hero  proudly  boasts  of  fame, 
Though  fraught  with  war  and  dearth  ; 

But  he  a  nobler  cause  may  claim, 
Who  toils  to  till  the  earth. 

God !  prosper  all  the  gallant  band, 

Who  wield  its  noble  share ; 
May  health  e'er  nerve  the  rustic  hand, 

And  banish  all  his  care. 


MISOELLAXKOrS   POEMS.  133 

Send  him  a  smiling  orchard  slope, 

To  cherish  in  the  spring ; 
Where  trees  in  blossom  whisper  hope, 

And  autumn  fruit  shall  bring. 

All  honor  to  the  gallant  hearts, 

Who  greet  the  early  morn  ; 
Who  toil  to  fill  the  city  marts, 

And  garners  lade  with  corn. 

Who  to  the  earth's  remotest  bourne, 

Send  treasures  o'er  the  deep ; 
Who  does  humanity  adorn, 

And  toil  while  sluggards  sleep. 

The  plough  is  nobler  than  the  crown, 

It  yields  our  daily  store ; 
A  brighter  trophy  of  renown, 

Than  ever  monarch  won-. 


ON  A  MIRROR. 
A  silent,  instantaneous,  reflector, 

Tormentor,  tell-tale,  flatterer,  detector; 
The  maiden  seeks  thee  to  behold  her  tresses, 

Her  raven  locks  in  admiration  presses. 
Those  eyes  with  youth  and  animation  darting, 

Behold,  and  in  warm  ecstacy  departing  ; 
Bound  forth  to  conquer,  captivate  and  please, 

Tho'  oft  forgive  them,  should  they  glance  to  tease. 
To  gain  the  conquest,  some  display  of  arms, 

Of  snowy  whiteness,  with  such  winning  charms ; 
Display'd  to  conquer  with  so  much  remiss, 

And  art  and  triumph  to  behold  is  bliss. 
Her  charming  face,  her  flowing  graceful  curls, 


IM-t  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


That  marble  brow,, those  rows  of  shining  pearls ; 
Those  ruby  lips  each  passing  smile  disclose, 

And  dimpled  cheeks,  with  hues  that  tint  the  reM, 
Tis  nature's  dow'ry  it  becomes  the  lu^s, 

Their  force  she  feels  the  tell  tale  was  the  glas?. 

The  matron  views  it  and  with  winning  grace. 

Beholds  the  model  of  a  parent's  face : 
An  infant's  form  its  steady  rays  reflect, 

Those  gentle  arms  so  lovingly  proteel. 
Such  thoughts  arise,  all  sorrow  seems  to  pass. 

At  budding  prospects  mirror'd  in  the  glass. 

"Tis  truest  mentor,  nothing  can  erase  it. 

Dare  anger,  fraud,  or  cruel  passions  fare  it  : 
The  truth  'twould  show  and  bid  the  heart  control, 

The  venom  burning  at  the  inner  soul. 
Exhibit  in  the  very  minds  complexion, 

The  hatred  glowing  with  a  true  reflection  ; 
This  fact  imparting  both  to  age  and  youth. 

All  ills  will  vanish  in  the  light  of  truth. 

The  hero  views  it  and  with  high  ambition, 
Beholds  his  lofty,  tow'ring.  mien,  position  ; 

Looks  there  with  confidence  and  glowing  pride. 
His  noble  form  with  dignity  allied, 

And  smiling  at  his  shade,  does  proudly  pass, 
With  step  clastic  from  the  silent  glass. 

Should  age  gaze,  there  it  at  u  glance  may  trace. 

Time's  silent  triumph  stamp'd  upon  the  face  ; 
The  visage  wrinkled  and  the  tresses  grey, 

Show  life's  decline  and  time's  relentless  sway. 

The  widow  all  bereft,  beholds  her  weeds, 


MISCELLANEOUS     1'OEMS. 


Her  hopes  arc  ilown,  her  heart  with  anguish  bleeds; 
Her  mind  disconsolate,  her  griefs  a  mass, 

She  shrinks  ill  horror  from  the  silent  glass 
Where  once  in  ecstacy  and  glowing  pride, 

She  view'U,  it  flatter'd,  she  was  lord,  a  bride  ; 
The  glass  I  say  it,  is  a  great  enigma, 

A  joy,  a  terror,  a  rebuke,  a  stigma. 
A  step  to  pride,  to  folly,  to  display  and  dress. 

It  prompts,  disheartens  and  does  truth  express. 


OCTOBER. 

Cloudy  skies  are  now  appearing, 
Dear  October's  voice  is  heard  ; 

Flow'rs  and  leaves  its  breath  is  searing, 
Boughs  are  by  the  breex.es  hurl'd. 

Birds  they  seek  a  milder  dwelling, 

Southward  now  they  wing  their  llight ; 

Hopes  within  their  nature  telling, 
Brighter  scenes  and  skies  invite. 

Bare  the  lawn  and  bleak  the  mountain, 
Summer's  scenes  again  are  llown  ; 

All  is  fleeting,  change  is  certain  ! 
Who  may  call  a  joy  his  own. 

Still  its  blessings,  boons  and  pleasures, 
Amply  does  the  farmer  hoard  ; 

Crops  are  garner'd,  noble  treasures, 
Both  for  man  and  beast  are  stor'd. 

While  the  cheerful  faggots  blazing, 
Let  each  heart  their  tribute  bring, 

One  whose  eye  on  all  is  gazing. 
Sears  the  bloom  to  send  the  spring. 


13C  MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 

THE  SNOW  BIRD. 

Ever  welcome  little  friend. 

When  the  snow-flakes  clown  descend ; 
When  the  clouds  are  dark  and  drear, 

Then  the  snow  bird  does  appear. 

All  the  trees  have  shed  their  leaves, 

Icicles  adorn  the  eaves ; 
Rippling  streams  with  frost  are  bound, 

Now  the  snow  bird  flies  around. 

Other  songsters  disappear, 

Winter  chills  the  closing  year ; 

Flow'rs  have  ceas'd  to  bloom  and  grow, 
Now  he  comes,  he  loves  the  snow. 

Earth  is  white  as  lilies  fair, 

Bells  are  jingling  through  the  air  : 

Sleighs  are  passing  to  and  fro. 
All  alike  enjoy  the  snow. 

Feast  or  fast,  as  nature  deigns, 
Lo  he  comes !  while  winter  reigns  ; 

Full  of  mirth  and  free  from  woo. 
Gaily  chirping  in  the  snow. 

Winter  brings  its  joys  to  some, 
Others  sigh  to  see  it  come ; 

Ere  the  spring  time  thou  will  go, 
Seeking  lands  that's  clad  in  snow. 

Some  they  seek  a  milder  sphere, 
Others  stay  and  pass  the  year ; 

Where  bright  fires  at  Christinas  glow., 
Ever  welcome,  type  of  snow. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  137 

LINES  ON  THE   ASSASSINATION   OF  ABRAHAM 
LINCOLN,  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Lo!  the  nation  stands  appallen, 

Each  loyal  bosom  bows  the  head ; 
Gloom  veils  each  heart,  a  star  has  fallen, 

Columbia  mourns,  her  chief  is  dead. 

Liberty  with  light,  and  glory, 

Victory  brought  joys  to  all  ; 
Slavery,  dread,  dark  and  gory, 

Plots  another  victims  fall. 

Crime — the  darkest  dye  surpassing. 

Cast  a  terror  o'er  the  laud  ; 
Evil  lurks,  a  foul  assassin. 

Strikes  with  deadly  cruel  hand. 

A  martyr  falls  from  friends  to  sever, 

Affection's  ties  arc  rent  in  twain  ; 
Principles  will  live  forever, 

Heroe's  blood  is  never  vain. 

Monuments,  vain  exultation. 

Fade  and  pass  in  every  clime ; 
His  noblest  work  !  Emancipation, 

Stamps  his  name  for  future  time. 

Oft  the  sad,  the  gladdened  story, 
Man  shall  quote  to  laud  the  brave; 

Old  Honest  Abe  enshrin'd  in  glory, 
Burst  the  fetters  of  the  slave. 

The  bondman  freed,  in  joy  shall  ponder, 
And  smiling  own,  he  died  to  save ; 

While  Freedom's  friends,  unhidden  wander, 
To  drop  a  tear  at  Lincoln's  grave. 

i 


138  MISCELLANEOt'S    i'OKMS. 

TO  LIVERPOOL. 
For  Liverpool  give  three  times  three, 

May  it  progress  ever  ; 
May  her  Sons  from  care  be  free, 

Nought  their  friendship  sever. 
May  they  sing  and  merry  l»e. 

Drive  away  all  sorrow  ; 
Pleasure  have,  and  never  see 

Trouble  on  the  morrow. 

May  her  commerce  flourish  fasl, 

Her  workmen  feel  contented  : 
Sell  their  ware  and  get  the  ca«h, 

Their  plans,  the  best  invented. 
Hope  and  joy  attend  each  hearth, 

Duty  feel  a  pleasure  ; 
Love  surround  our  daily  path, 

And  comforts  without  measure. 

May  health  dwell  in  our  city  lair, 

Social  friends  be  near  us  ; 
All  enough,  and  some  to  spare, 

Home  and  beauty  cheer  us. 
Our  young  men's  ways  may  wisdom  rule, 

(Our  daughters  plump  and  pretty ;) 
And  all  around  own  Liverpool, 

Is  quite  a  model  city. 


TO  STEUBENVILLE. 

Steubenville  none  can  vie, 
And  a  glance  of  the  eye ; 
To  look  at  its  noble  location. 
Will  convince  you. I'm  sure. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS. 


And  the  prospects  allure, 
Whatever  may  be  your  vocation. 

Such  a  sumptuous  feast, 

Both  for  man,  or  for  Least  ; 
Our  hosts  keep  in  store  for  the  stranger. 

While  they  suit  to  a  pin. 

They  your  confidence  win, 
And  shield  you  from  trouble  or  danger. 

Come  along  !  Come  along  ! 

If  you  like  in  a  throng  ; 
To  the  mart  of  the  county  and  story. 

Itjwould  take  too  much  time. 

To  tell  you  in  rhyme, 
The  half  of  its  wonders  and  glory. 

Stcubcn  here  built  his  fort, 

'Tis  a  pleasant  resort  ; 
Patriotic,  abundant  and  cheering. 

Long  the  annals  of  fame, 

Shall  cherish  its  name, 
Its  memories  ever  revering. 

While  our  gardens  they  bloom, 

'Midst  the  richest  perfume  ; 
Their  hues  and  rich  fragrance  bestowing, 

Gifts  of  nature  abound. 

Choicest  fruits  may  be  found, 
Their  splendor  and  elegance  showing. 

We  have  mines,  we  have  more, 
We  have  beauty  in  store  ; 
Our  ladies  arc  gallant  and  charming, 
Far  the  loveliest  girls  — 


140  MISCELLANEOrS    POEMS. 

Of  the  west  they're  the  belles. 
The  hachelors  own  them  alarming. 

Our  hills  crown'il  with  grace, 

Only  view  at  their  base  : 
Ohio  majestic  is  twining. 

All  the  world  can't  excel, 

The  fair  valley  I  tell, 
In  its  splendor  and  ornaments  shining. 

May  bright  health  guard  the  t,ccue, 
May  its  blessings  serene. 

Descend  as  the  dews  of  the  morning ; 
May  our  commerce  increase, 
'Midst  friendship  and  peace, 

Each  art  and  each  science  adorning. 


LINES  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  A  YOUNG  LADY 

The  rose's  hue  was  painted, 

Upon  her  cheek  so  fair : 
We  dreamt  not,  it  was  tainted. 

With  hectic  flushes  there. 
One  beauty's  mould  adorning. 

So  comely,  graceful,  sweet ; 
To  wither  in  life's  morning, 

To  bloom,  to  smile  and  licet. 

Unknown  life's  cup  of  sorrow, 

Unfelt  the  pangs  of  age  : 
Ere  time  the  brow  could  furrow. 

She  vanish'd  from  the  stage. 
The  spirit  has  departed, 

The  vital  spark  has  fled : 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  141 

Youth,  hope  and  promise  thwarted, 
The  form  so  fair  is  dead. 

She  pass'd  when  flow'rs  faded, 

And  wither'd  from  the  earth ; 
Through  faith  we  are  persuaded, 

'T\vas  to  celestial  birth. 
The  promise  of  a  Saviour, 

Invites  all  such  above  ; 
Where  angels  will  receive  her, 

'Midst  endless  light  and  love. 


DEATH. 

Mysterious  change,  of  mysteries  most  great, 
Involving  mortals  in  one  common  fate ; 

Uncertain  era,  drear,  unlathom'd  shore, 
The  deep  abyss,  coequal  each  explore ; 

Ultimate  mandate,  final,  last  decree, 
The  fearful  portals  of  eternity. 

Relentless  visitor,  unbidden  guest, 
Insatiate  terror,  dreaded,  dire  behest ; 

Dark  ebon  gloom,  attends  thy  cheerless  sway, 
It  seals  the  vision  and  we  pass  aye. 

AVhile  mercy  shudders  and  affection  mourns, 
Lov'd  forms  departed,  never  to  return. 

Cold,  irrevocable,  unsparing  law, 

Natural  fiat,  heart  inspiring  away ; 
Uupitying  monarch,  strange,  untravers'd  clime, 

All !  all !  must  seek  thee,  thro'  the  march  of  time. 
Unheard,  invisibly,  approach  the  goal, 

The  end,  the  destiny,  the  sphere  of  souls. 


142  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Poor  frail  humanity,  frail  as  the  flow'r, 
Usurping,  flattering,  abusing  pow'r  ; 

Know  this  shall  equalize,  dethrone  thy  sway, 
And  mother  earth  absorb  thy  mould'ring  clay. 

Thy  voice  shall  silence,  chase  thy  lleeting  breath, 
And  claim  thy  presence  in  the  halls  of  death. 


LINES  WRITTEN  AFTER  LOOKING  AT  THE  DA- 
GUERREOTYPE OF  A  DEPARTED  FRIEND. 
Fair  'semblance  of  departed  worth, 

Thy  very  likeness  makes  me  thrill ; 
Thy  noble  virtues  live  on  earth, 
Within  our  hearts  to  cherish  still. 

Thy  voice  though  hush'd,  it  speaks  aloud, 

Its  precepts  are  for  ever  dear  ; 
With  choicest  wisdom  e'er  endow 'd, 

While  memory  lives  we  still  revere. 

Alas  thy  spirit  it  has  fled  ! 

And  left  this  tenement  of  clay  ; 
While  o'er  thy  tomb  fond  tears  were  bli    i. 

They  whom  we  moum'd  had  pass'd  away. 

Thy  portrait  speaks  in  tones  so  deep, 
Though  silent  still,  enough  'tis  said  ; 

Who  lov'd  thy  form,  but  views  to  weep, 
The  absent,  true  and  noble  dead. 

Still  rest  in  peace,  until  with  sound, 
The  angel's  trumpet,  shakes  the  skies ! 

Then  witli  the  just  in  glory  crown'd, 
Awake  to  reign  in  endless  joys. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  143 

Arise  to  dwell  in  realms  of  light ! 

Such  as  no  thought  can  e'er  convey  ; 
Where  boundless  love  shall  truth  requite, 

And  "God  shall  wipe  each  tear  away." 


THOUGHTS   ON    A    GRAVE    WITHOUT    AN   IN- 
SCRIPTION. 

Grave  are  the  thoughts,  this  mound  inspirts! 

Its  silent  voice  does  thus  proclaim, 
An  end !  a  goal,  of  earth's  desires  ; 

Ambition,  valor,  wealth  and  fame. 
The  orphan  hero  resigns  its  cares, 

The  poor  and  lowly  find  repose ; 
The  hapless  stranger  quiet  shares, 

The  man  of  sorrow,  ends  his  woes. 

When  death  dissolves  our  nearest  ties, 

We  mourn  each  dear  departed  friend  ; 
Their  virtues  from  their  ashes  rise, 

How  oft  their  force  our  bosoms  rend. 
Did  kindness  view  their  failings  here  ? 

Or  envy  fill  an  angry  breast  ? 
Does  memory  shrink,  is  conscience  clear  ! 

The  truth  in  silence  stands  confess'd  ! 

The  sympathetic  tear  replies, 

The  contrite  bosom  heaves  a  sigh  ; 
\Vhile  thoughts  within  the  bosom  ri>..', 

Regret  and  sorrow  dims  the  eye. 
Our  better  feelings  here  prevail, 

Our  spirit  pleads  for  evil  done  ; 
When  thinking  of  the  dreary  pale, 

Our  final  rest  when  life  is  run. 


144  MISCEI. I.  \NKUI-, 


Ambition's  fi'ry  thoughts  they  pass! 

Here  teats  of  valor  all  are  o'er : 
The  wealth  that  mortals  here  amass. 

Is  left  as  chaff  upon  the  floor. 

This  silent  crypt,  it  may  contain, 

A  form  was  once  thy  deadly  foe  ; 
Relent,  reflect,  forgive,  refrain, 

Exult  not !  Death  has  dealt  the  blow. 
Let  mercy's  voice  within  thee  plead, 

In  charity  his  failings  scan : 
Thyself  art  mortal,  know  indeed  ! 

Perfection  is  no  trait  in  man. 
E'er  may  his  failings  be  forgot, 

With  pity's  eye  behold  the  tomb  : 
The  goal  of  all,  the  common  lot. 

Again  let  friendship's  warmth  return. 

Or  is  an  helpless  orphan  here. 

Whose  dearest  ties  had  pass'd  before  ; 
Where  cruel  envy's  bitter  jeer, 

Can  never  grieve  their  pleasures  more. 
The  parent  earth  its  form  does  press, 

No  more  harsh  taunts  its  hope  destroys  ; 
A  mother's  love  may  now  caress, 

Her  spirit  charge  in  paradise. 

It  may  enitoinb  misfortune's  child. 

Whom  penury  found  hard  to  bear ; 
Who  struggled  through  life's  dreary  wild, 

Borne  down  with  sorrow,  crushM  with  care. 
The  grave  for  such  is  welcome  rest. 

Its  silent  sleep  a  trance  of  peace  ; 
Away  from  cruelty's  behest, 

Where  anguish,  pain  and  terror  cease. 


MISCELLANEOUS   POEMS.  145 

All  hapless  wanderer  may  lay, 

Beneath  the  sward  iu  silent  glooui ; 
Whose  lamp  expir'd  its  final  ray, 

And  no  lov'd  voice  to  cheer  the  doum. 
Affection's  fond  and  tender  smile 

Was  far  away — it  little  thought, 
The  stranger  in  death's  dreary  isle, 

A  soothing,  parting,  look  besought, 
Oh !  sympathy  in  pity  lend. 

Thy  welcome  voice  at  scenes  so'drear  ; 
And  blend  the  Christian  with  the  friend, 

Each  hapless  stranger's  fate  to  cheer. 
Why  throbs  the  heart,  why  starts  the  tear  ? 

This  world  is  but  a  scene  of  strife  ; 
The  grave  for  those  whom  truth  does  steer, 

Shall  yield  its  dead  to  endless  life. 

Let  sacriligous  hands  forbear, 

Nor  Omnipresence  e'er  behold  ; 
No  modern  vandal  who  shall  dare. 

Disturb  this  dust  for  paltry  gold. 


PITY. 

Where  pity  falls  within  the  heart  as  dew, 

With  rays  of  joy  it  does  the  mind  renew  ; 
The  fallen  cheering  at  its  voice  may  smile, 

And  hope  again  the  wretched  reconcile. 
Who  would  withhold  thy  gentle  tender  boon. 

Shall  never  taste  thy  mercies !  just  as  soon — 
May  seas  be  calm,  where  angry  winds  prevail, 

As  avarice  to  e'er  thy  joys  inhale. 
\Vhere  tender  pity's  gentle  voice  is  heard, 

The  heart  responds  to  hear  a  soothing  word  ; 


14G  MISCELLANEOrS    1'OKM.-. 

Though  fate  may  doom  us  to  our  liual  goal. 

Its  voice  can  cheer  and  soothe  the  fleeting  soul. 
Elated  with  the  charms  of  pity  rise-. 

And  seek  a  refuge  in  the  promis'd  skkv-. 


THE  SOUL. 

Each  heart  has  a  wish  and  in  rapture  docs  cherish, 
To  live  and  in  triumph,  attain  to  its  goal ; 
Each  human  a  spark,  no  misfortune  can  perish, 
The  image  of  Glory  is  stamp'd  in  the  soul 

All  riches  will  fade,  brightest  fortunes  but  tickle, 
Our  days  they  are  numbered  beyond  our  control ; 
'Tis  vain  to  evade  the  grim  king  with  his  sickle ; 
\Ve  yield  to  his  mandate  to  banish  the  soul. 

All  temples  must  fade,  they  must  crumble  and  vanish, 
As  ours  made  of  clay,  they  must  moulder  the  whole  ; 
From  the  world  to  depart  and  forever  to  banish, 
To  wreck  and  to  ruin,  unlike  to  the  soul. 

Its  essence  it  lives,  it  exists  though  departed, 
The  skeptic  he  doubts  than  his  feelings  are  dole  ; 
The  body  returns  to  the  dust  whence  it  started, 
O  whither !  O  where !  is  the  home  of  the  soul. 

Each   wrong   shall   be   known   and   each   tear    shall  b: 

counted, 

The  prince  with  the  peasant,  that  day  will  enrole ; 
When  the  King  of  the  world,  in  his  glory  is  mounted, 
The  judge  of  the  nations,  the  God  of  the  soul. 

The  earth  it  shall  pass  and  all  that  are  mortals, 
Old  time  in  its  circuit,  shall  cease  for  to  roll ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    TOKMS.  147 


Grim  death  lose  its  sting,  nor  again  in  its  portals,   . 
Separate  hope  and  love  in  the  home  of  the  soul. 

The  sun  it  shall  fade  and  the  planets  shall  tremble, 
The  heavens  shall  pass  from,  the  scene  as  a  scroll ; 
The  mouth  of  the  liar,  no  more  shall  dissemble, 
And  virtue  shall  dwell  with  the  God  of  the  soul. 

May  Heaven  with  love  and  with  mercy  caressing, 
Elate  then  each  heart,  where  despondence  has  stole  ; 
Unite  us  in  peace  with  the  dew  of  its  blessing, 
Receive  us  at  last  in  the  rest  for  the  soul. 


SPEAK  KINDLY. 

Speak  kindly,  the  breast  that  is  burning  with  ire, 
Shall  turn  from  its  evil  and  cease  to  conspire  ; 
The  violence  of  passion  be  sooth'd  and  disarm'd, 
The  conquest  completed,  the  anger  be  calin'd. 
The  foe  that  was  seeking  the  feelings  to  rend, 
Shall  falter,  relenting  !  and  own  you  a  friend. 

Speak  kindly,  misfortune  elated  will  cheer, 
And  smile,  though  affliction  be  hovering  near ; 
The  bosom  will  cherish  mild  charity's  glow, 
And  pity  shall  brighten  the  sufferer's  woe. 
As  gentle  as  clew  on  the  heart  is  the  voice, 
That  raises  the  fallen  again  to  rejoice. 

Speak  kindly,  to  childhood  so  loving  so  fair, 

In  joy  and  in  gladness  as  buoyant  as  air  ; 

While  artless  simplicities  govern  the  will, 

Ere  the  customs  that  rule  us,  its  pleasures  may  chill. 

While  the  springs  flow'ry  season  of  hope  and  of  youth, 

Delightingly  treasures  in  candor  and  truth. 


148  MISCELLANEOUS    POK.M>. 

Spcak.kindly,  the  outcast  again  may  return, 
Whom  sinners  deride  and  society  spurn  ; 
The  conscience  may  melt  that  is  callous'd  and  sear, 
And  mercy's  lair  triumph,  be  seen  in  the  tear. 
The  form  no  authority,  terror,  could  move, 
Shall  yield  with  a  sigh  as  the  captive  of  love. 

Speak  kindly,  'twill  yield  thce  sweet  slumbers  by  night, 
Contentment  will  cheer  thco  and  solace  requite  : 
Thy  path  shall  be  strewn  with  the  blessings  of  p 
Arid  heaven  approving  thy  joys  shall  increase. 
The  future  before  thee,  with  promise  shall  bloom. 
And  tears  of  affection  be  shed  at  t-hv  tomb. 


THE  OUTCAST. 

He  turn'd  to  take  a  parting  look, 

No  tear  was  in  his  eye ; 
Disdaiu'd,  rejected  and  forsook. 

His  bosom  heav'd  a  sigh. 
His  feelings  was  of  bitter  grief, 

His  mind  was  rack'd  with  pain  ; 
No  voice  to  solace  with  relief, 

His  brow  was  stamp'd  with  "Cain." 

A  cold  !   cold  world  !   is  this  he  cried, 

My  failings  were  my  fall : 
All  hope  all  mercy  is  denied, 

The  jeer,  the  mock  of  all. 
My  doom  I  never  can  endure, 

My  name  a  sound  of  scorn  : 
No  aim,  no  motto  to  allure, 

Why  was  I  ever  born  ? 

But  ah !  a  whisper  in  his  breast, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  14J» 


'Tis  madness  makes  it  rise  ; 
Discouraged,  branded  and  oppress'd, 

He  now  your  threats  defies. 
An  evil  spirit  hovers  near, 

The  outcast's  eyeballs  glare  ; 
It  does  his  heart  and  conscience  sear. 

Re  wildly  laughs  at  care. 

The  heart  that  now  with  envy  burns, 

The  voice  that  curses  all ; 
And  every  thought  of  friendship  spurns, 

Was  pure  before  its  fall. 
That  hand  against  its  brother  rais'd. 

Beside  a  mother's  knee  ; 
Was  clasp'd  in  joy  while  God  was  prais'd. 

No  outcast  then  was  he. 

Lay  not  unto  him  all  the  blame, 

For  being  thus  undone  ; 
No  good  Samaritan  there  came, 

To  shield  misfortune's  son. 
The  wretched  who  in  sorrow  fall, 

Would  bless  fair  friendship's  voice : 
The  tear  would  start  at  mercy's  call, 

And  grateful  hearts  rejoice. 


'LET  HE  WHO   IS   WITHOUT  SIN,  CAST  THE 

FIRST  STONE."— [Scmi-mm. 
When  some  frail  daughter  of  our  rare. 

Has  fell  in  sorrow  and  disgrace  : 
Her  sex  the  first,  the  fact  proclaim, 
Her  faults  they  scan  and  loudly  blame. 

Her  hopes  are  gone,  her  doom  is  seal'd. 


1.")!)  MISCELLANEOUS    POF.M-. 

Such  news  !  why  should  it  be  concealed  '. 
Her  offspring  is  the  child  of  scorn, 
Her  joys  are  fled,  she  is  forlorn. 

Society  discards  the  victim ! 

lu  this  enlighten  VI  age  of  wisdom, 
But  the  seducer  !  ah  I've  said  it ! 

The  world  it  almost  gives  him  credit. 

'Tis  so  in  every  Christian  nation, 
And  quite  an  earthly  dispensation  ; 

K  was  not  just  in  times  of  old, 
At  least  we're  so  in  scripture  told. 

In  holy  writ,  we  there  are  shown, 
By  one  who  reigns  upon  a  throne ; 

To  soothe,  to  pity  and  implore, 

To  "Go  thy  way  and  sin  no  more." 

For  to  reclaim  a  fallen  friend, 

With  kindness  love  and  friendship  blond  : 
It  is  the  wish  of  highest  heaven, 

"  Forgive  that  ye  may  be  forgiven." 


"THOUGH  THOU  EXALTETH  THYSELF  AS  THE 
EAGLE  AND  BUILDEST  THY  NEST  AMONG 
THE  STARS,  YET  I  WILL  FETCH  THEE  DOWN 
SAITH  THE  LORD."— SCBIITTKE. 

The  eagle  in  his  eyry  proud, 
Whose  summit  peering  next  the  cioud  ; 

Exalted  o'er  the  vale  below, 

Around  his  piercing  glance  does  throw. 

His  lofty  throne  so  dignified. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  151 


The  precipice  and  mountain  side  ; 
Stands  tow'ring  in  majestic  form, 
Defies  pursuit,  nor  fears  the  storm, 

Delighting  in  his  upward  flight, 
He  seeks  the  brilliant  realms  of  light ; 

And  next  the  sun  he  loves  to  soar, 
As  though  to  aim  at  glory  more. 

His  years  arc  legion  in  their  length, 

His  limbs  are  knitted  firm  with  strength  ; 

And  fiercely  in  his  course  he  goes, 
The  most  inveterate  of  foes. 

His  haunts  arc  free,  though  rough  and  rude, 
Where  few  disturb  its  solitude  ; 

With  wondrous  speed  he  darting  flies, 
As  though  ascending  to  the  skies. 

With  eye  as  fire  on  pinions  strong, 
He  skims  the  azure  blue  along ; 

Relentless  rules  the  feathered  tribes, 

Till  death  his  reign  and  sway  proscribes. 

'Tis  so  with  man,  who  in  his  pride, 
Has  laws  of  right,  and  God  defied  ; 

And  by  the  rule  of  might  alone, 

Has  o'er  his  fellows  bas'd  his  throne. 

Who  as  the  eagle  knew  no  bars, 
But  claim'd  a  scat  amongst  the  stars  ; 

The  eye  that  sees  such  vain  renown, 
Usurper  know,  can  bring  thec  down. 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  uBRAF 


A    000  057  748     6 


